Post-Accident Procedures for CMV Incidents

The first steps taken following an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle are extremely important. Here's a quick review of post-accident procedures that can protect employers and drivers.

 

Employers who have trucks on the road should make sure their drivers know the proper procedures for handling accidents. Basic rules include the following:

• Drivers should immediately stop their vehicle after an accident of any kind. They should never leave the scene of an accident.
• Drivers should immediately activate flashers. If it’s possible to move the truck, it should be pulled off the road or as far to the side as possible to prevent further collisions.
• If the driver is injured, he or she should remain in cab (unless necessary for safety) and wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive. Moving could cause further injury.
• If the driver is uninjured, he or she should check the accident scene for others who might be injured.
• Drivers should notify authorities, calling 911 or the highway patrol.
• It's also important to take steps to prevent further collisions and injuries. Uninjured drivers should set out reflective triangles or flares to warn other traffic.
• In some cases it may be necessary to deal with an emergency situation such as a fire or hazardous material spill. Drivers should check their vehicle to make sure no emergency situation exists.
• Drivers should also try to assess any damage to the vehicle and/or the cargo.

Drivers should report the accident to their employer at the earliest opportunity, answer questions, and provide the following information:

• Location of the accident
• Description of the driver's condition—for example, OK or injured, able to continue driving, and so on.
• Extent of damage to vehicle and/or cargo
• Any assistance needed—for example, a tow truck or another truck to transfer cargo

Warning Devices

 

Warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles should be positioned properly to warn other drivers of an accident.

• The first device should be positioned in the direction of approaching traffic, within 10 feet of the last vehicle involved in the accident, and on the traffic side. No flame-producing signal should ever be attached to any part of a truck or another vehicle!
• A second device should be placed about 100 feet behind the accident scene, facing approaching traffic, and in the center of the lane or shoulder where the truck and other vehicles involved in the accident are stopped.
• The third device should be placed about 100 feet in front of the accident scene and facing traffic approaching from the other direction.