Protect, alert, rescue

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Protect, alert, rescue: the three reflexes to apply in that order when you come across a road accident in Belgium.

Coverage, Protect, alert, rescue

Lesson objectives

Master the P.A.S. sequence (Protect, Alert, Rescue) in case of accident Know how to correctly place the danger triangle and put on the safety vest Call emergency services at 112 with the right information

The P.A.S. sequence: three mandatory actions

P.A.S. , Protect, Alert, Rescue, is a mnemonic device , not a law article. It gives the correct order of action, and that is why it is taught: secure first, otherwise you add one accident to the accident. The obligations are set out in article 52 of the code, and they are not to be confused with P.A.S.: provide assistance if necessary , present your identity card, remain at the scene, report the accident. They differ depending on whether or not there are bodily injuries .

Step 1: PROTECT, Secure the scene

Before any other action, you must prevent a new accident. Other drivers do not see your accident, they are approaching at high speed. It is your responsibility to warn them.

Danger triangle

Reflective signalling device placed on the road to warn other drivers of an obstacle (accident, breakdown). Mandatory in every car.

Placing the triangle: the distances in article 51.2

The triangle is placed before the vehicle , in a substantially vertical position: at least 30 metres on ordinary roads at least 100 metres on motorways and, in both cases, in such a way as to be visible at approximately 50 metres to approaching drivers Only one exception is mentioned in the text: in built-up areas , at places where the 30-metre distance cannot be observed, the triangle may be placed at a shorter distance and possibly on the vehicle . This flexibility does not apply outside built-up areas or on motorways.

Placement of danger triangle on ordinary road

Fluorescent safety vest

Retroreflective vest that the driver must wear as soon as they exit their vehicle immobilised on a motorway or motor road, at a place where stopping and parking are prohibited (art. 51.4). The text requires wearing it and sets no storage location, but keeping it within reach in the cabin is the only way to put it on before opening the door.

Putting on the safety vest

Article 51.4 requires the vest for the driver of a vehicle immobilised on a motorway or motor road, as soon as they exit the vehicle . Passengers are not covered by the text, the vest remains strongly recommended for them. To distinguish in the exam: wearing the vest is a written obligation; storing it in the cabin is not, which is what makes the first one practicable.

Other protective measures

In addition to the triangle and vest: Turn on the hazard lights (emergency flashers) if the vehicle still works Turn off running engines (fire risk) Do not smoke at the accident scene and ask bystanders not to smoke

Driver putting on safety vest on motorway

Step 2: ALERT, Call emergency services at 112

Number 112

Unique European emergency number allowing you to reach ambulance services, firefighters and police simultaneously. To be used in case of accident with injured persons.

When to call 112?

You must call 112 if: There are injured people (minor or serious) There are people trapped in a vehicle There is a fire or fire risk The situation presents an immediate danger If the accident has no injured and both parties complete the European accident statement, calling emergency services is not mandatory, but you can still call if you have doubts.

What to say to 112?

Be clear and precise. Provide essential information: Where: exact location (road, street number, kilometre, direction of travel) What: nature of the accident (collision, cargo loss, fire…) How many: number of injured and severity (minor, serious, unconscious) Who: people trapped in vehicles? Stay calm and listen to the dispatcher's instructions.

Use an emergency call box if possible

On the motorway or in tunnels, if there is an emergency call box nearby, use it in preference to 112. It automatically locates your position and speeds up the response.

Step 3: RESCUE, First aid if you are trained

Once the scene is secured and emergency services have been called, you can provide first aid if you are trained . Otherwise, stay with the victim to reassure them while waiting for emergency services to arrive. First aid gestures (recovery position, CPR) will be covered in the next lesson.

Providing assistance: what the code requires, and what common sense adds

Article 52.3, 1° requires, in case of an accident with bodily injury, to provide assistance to the injured if necessary . The obligation exists, but it is conditional on necessity, it does not require performing actions you are not trained for. What practice adds, and what the exam covers: do not move the victim except in case of immediate danger; do not remove the helmet from a motorcyclist, unless they are not breathing or vomiting; do not give anything to drink or eat , even if requested.

Obligations under article 52, according to the type of accident

What the law requires you to do after an accident

Material damage only (art. 52.2) Bodily injury (art. 52.3) Safety Take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and flow of traffic, and comply with article 51 (art. 52.1) Move the vehicle Yes, for the sake of flow Not mandatory (art. 52.1) Provide assistance , If necessary Identity card Present it to the other persons involved who request it, if you are over fifteen years old Remain at the scene To make joint observations , or to allow a qualified officer to do so To allow a qualified officer to make observations Leave the scene , Leaving temporarily to provide assistance or call an officer is not evading the obligation, after having left your name and address with a person present If no officer can be reached Report as soon as possible to the police station Report within 24 hours at the latest

Missing part: the obligation to leave your contact details

Article 52.2 covers the case of a damaged vehicle whose owner is absent: the persons involved must, as far as possible, provide their name and address at the scene , and in any case provide this information as soon as possible, either directly or through the police. A note left under the windshield wiper is therefore not a courtesy: it is the fulfillment of a legal obligation.

Special case: accident without injuries

In the absence of injuries, article 52.2 requires you to remain at the scene to make joint necessary observations . The European accident statement is the tool for these observations: completed and signed by both parties, it serves as such, and police intervention is not necessary. If the parties do not agree, a qualified officer must be allowed to make observations. And if no officer could be reached within a reasonable time, the accident must be reported as soon as possible to the nearest police station or to the one at your home address. Call the police if the other driver refuses to sign, does not have their documents, or appears to be under the influence.

Key points to remember

P.A.S. is a mnemonic device; the obligations are in article 52 Art. 52.1 : ensure safety and flow ; in case of bodily injury, moving the vehicle is not mandatory Art. 52.2 (material damage): identity card if over 15 years old , remain at the scene for joint observations , report as soon as possible if no officer Art. 52.3 (bodily injury): provide assistance if necessary , identity card, remain at the scene, report within 24 hours if no officer Leaving temporarily to assist or alert is not evading the obligation to remain at the scene, if you have left your name and address Triangle : 30 m ordinary road, 100 m motorway, visible at 50 m ; closer or on the vehicle only in built-up areas (art. 51.2) Vest : to be worn as soon as you exit the vehicle on motorways and roads for motor vehicles (art. 51.4), the storage location is not required Accessories (art. 81.2): triangle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit Do not move the victim except in case of immediate danger; do not remove the helmet except in case of respiratory distress; nothing to drink

What now?

First take the quiz for this lesson to validate your learning, then practice on the exam simulator and multiple choice questions . Next lesson: Calling 112: what to say .

BelgianLicenses

Passing the exam is about consistency, a little each day, and the code will hold no more secrets.