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Incidents, Accidents and Emergencies: all 42 questions and answers

Question 1

You arrive at the scene of a road traffic collision. What is the FIRST thing you should do?

  1. Move the injured people
  2. Call the emergency services
  3. Make the area safe and assess the scene
  4. Give first aid to the injured

The first priority at an accident scene is to make the area safe to prevent further collisions or injuries. Switch off engines, turn on hazard lights, and assess the situation before calling emergency services.

Question 2

At an incident, a casualty is unconscious but breathing. What position should you put them in?

  1. Sitting up
  2. On their back
  3. The recovery position
  4. Standing up supported

An unconscious casualty who is breathing should be placed in the recovery position. This keeps the airway clear and prevents them from choking if they vomit.

Question 3

You suspect that an injured person may have a spinal injury. What should you do?

  1. Move them carefully to a safe place
  2. Offer them a drink
  3. Keep them still and do not move them unless there is immediate danger
  4. Roll them onto their side

If you suspect a spinal injury, do not move the casualty unless they are in immediate danger (such as from fire). Moving them could cause further serious injury. Call emergency services immediately.

Question 4

You are the first to arrive at the scene of an accident. A person is bleeding heavily from a wound on their arm. What should you do?

  1. Apply a tourniquet above the wound
  2. Apply firm pressure to the wound with clean material
  3. Wash the wound with clean water
  4. Remove any glass from the wound

For heavy bleeding, apply firm pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or dressing. This helps to slow or stop the blood flow. Raise the limb above the heart if possible.

Question 5

What should you do if you witness an accident on the motorway?

  1. Stop on the carriageway to help
  2. Use your mobile phone while driving to call 999
  3. Pull over safely onto the hard shoulder if near enough, or use an emergency telephone
  4. Continue driving and assume someone else will help

If you witness an accident on the motorway, do not stop on the carriageway. Pull over safely to the hard shoulder if appropriate, or use an emergency phone to contact services.

Question 6

A casualty is not breathing. What should you do?

  1. Slap their face gently
  2. Give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and call 999
  3. Give them a warm drink
  4. Place them on their side

If a casualty is not breathing, you should call 999 and begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), which includes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions.

Question 7

You have been involved in a collision. When must you report it to the police?

  1. If anyone is injured or there is damage to property other than your own vehicle, and you did not exchange details at the scene
  2. Only if someone is killed
  3. Only if a vehicle is written off
  4. You never need to report it

You must report a collision to the police within 24 hours if anyone is injured, or there is damage to another vehicle or property, and you did not exchange details at the scene.

Question 8

What should you do if a casualty at an accident scene is in shock?

  1. Give them food and water
  2. Leave them alone to rest
  3. Keep them warm and comfortable, and reassure them
  4. Get them to walk around

Someone in shock should be kept warm (use a coat or blanket), reassured, and not given anything to eat or drink. Do not move them unless necessary and call for help.

Question 9

Your vehicle has broken down on an automatic railway level crossing. What should you do first?

  1. Try to push the vehicle clear of the crossing
  2. Get everyone out and clear of the crossing, then phone the signal operator
  3. Wait in the vehicle for help
  4. Try to restart the engine

If your vehicle breaks down on a railway level crossing, get everyone out of the vehicle and away from the crossing immediately. Then use the railway telephone to alert the signal operator.

Question 10

A motorcyclist is injured in a collision. You should NOT remove their helmet unless

  1. They ask you to
  2. It is essential to maintain their breathing
  3. The visor is dirty
  4. Emergency services tell you to over the phone

Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential to maintain their breathing. Removing the helmet incorrectly could cause spinal injury. Wait for emergency services if possible.

Question 11

You are involved in a collision with another vehicle. No one is injured and both vehicles can be driven. What information must you exchange?

  1. Only your first names
  2. Names, addresses, and vehicle registration details
  3. Insurance company phone numbers only
  4. Email addresses and social media details

You must exchange your name, address, and vehicle registration number. If any other person is injured, you must also produce your insurance certificate. If you cannot do so at the scene, report the incident to the police within 24 hours.

Question 12

You smell burning from your vehicle while driving. What should you do?

  1. Continue driving to the nearest garage
  2. Pull over safely, stop, and investigate
  3. Turn the heating on to check if it is the heater
  4. Increase speed to blow the smell away

A burning smell could indicate a serious mechanical fault or fire risk. Pull over safely as soon as possible, stop the engine, and investigate before continuing.

Question 13

Your car breaks down on an ordinary single carriageway road. If you use a warning triangle, how far behind your vehicle should you place it?

  1. At least 45 metres
  2. At least 10 metres
  3. At least 100 metres
  4. Directly behind the rear bumper

A warning triangle should be placed at least 45 metres behind your broken-down vehicle to give other drivers time to react. Never use one on a motorway (Highway Code Rule 276).

Question 14

Why should you NEVER place a warning triangle behind your vehicle on a motorway?

  1. Triangles are only for use at night
  2. Walking back along a motorway to place it puts you in danger from fast-moving traffic
  3. Motorway signals warn drivers automatically
  4. It would obstruct the emergency services

Warning triangles must not be used on motorways because walking along the carriageway or hard shoulder to place one exposes you to serious danger from high-speed traffic (Highway Code Rule 276).

Question 15

Your vehicle breaks down at night on a quiet road and you cannot get it fully off the carriageway. As well as using hazard lights, what should you do?

  1. Turn off all lights to save the battery
  2. Leave main beam headlights on
  3. Keep your sidelights switched on
  4. Flash your headlights at approaching traffic

If your vehicle breaks down in darkness, keep the sidelights on so other road users can see it, in addition to your hazard warning lights (Highway Code Rule 276).

Question 16

After breaking down, where should you avoid standing while you wait for help?

  1. Behind a safety barrier
  2. On a grass verge away from the road
  3. Well back from the carriageway
  4. Between your vehicle and oncoming traffic

Never stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic: if your vehicle is struck, you could be crushed. Wait in a safer position away from the carriageway (Highway Code Rule 276).

Question 17

Your vehicle develops a fault on the motorway but can still be driven. What should you do?

  1. Stop immediately in the left lane with hazard lights on
  2. Leave the motorway at the next exit or pull into a service area
  3. Continue to your destination at reduced speed
  4. Stop on the central reservation and phone for help

If you have a problem on the motorway but can keep moving, leave at the next exit or pull into a service area rather than stopping on the carriageway (Highway Code Rule 277).

Question 18

You have stopped on the motorway hard shoulder after a breakdown and it is safe to get out. What should you and your passengers do?

  1. Wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked
  2. Stand behind the vehicle on the hard shoulder
  3. Get out on the side away from traffic and wait clear of the carriageway
  4. Walk along the hard shoulder to the next junction

On the hard shoulder you should exit the vehicle safely on the side away from traffic and wait away from the carriageway and hard shoulder (Highway Code Rule 277).

Question 19

Your car stops in a live lane of the motorway and it is NOT safe to get out. What should you do?

  1. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened, keep the hazard lights on and call the emergency services
  2. Get out quickly and run across the carriageway
  3. Push the vehicle to the hard shoulder
  4. Open the bonnet to signal a breakdown

If it is unsafe to leave a vehicle stopped in a live lane, remain inside with your seatbelt on and hazard lights operating, and call the emergency services (Highway Code Rule 277).

Question 20

Which of these is a 'place of relative safety' to aim for if your vehicle gets into difficulty?

  1. The outside lane of a dual carriageway
  2. A motorway service area
  3. A pedestrian crossing
  4. The central reservation

Places of relative safety include service areas, lay-bys, emergency areas and hard shoulders, where you and your vehicle are less at risk from moving traffic (Highway Code Rule 275).

Question 21

A driver with a disability breaks down on the motorway and cannot safely leave their vehicle. What does the Highway Code advise them to do?

  1. Wave items of clothing to attract attention
  2. Wait on the embankment beside the vehicle
  3. Attempt repairs from inside the car
  4. Switch on hazard lights, stay in the vehicle with the seatbelt on and contact the emergency services

Drivers who cannot get out safely, such as some disabled drivers, should activate their hazard lights, remain in the vehicle with the seatbelt fastened and contact the emergency services (Highway Code Rule 279).

Question 22

You see a large box fall from a lorry onto the motorway ahead. What should you do?

  1. Stop and drag the box onto the hard shoulder
  2. Do not try to remove it yourself - call the emergency services
  3. Straddle the box and continue
  4. Flash other drivers to warn them, then carry on

Never attempt to remove debris from a motorway yourself. Stop somewhere safe and call the emergency services to report the obstruction (Highway Code Rule 280).

Question 23

A branch has fallen onto a quiet country road. When may you remove it yourself?

  1. Never - only the police may move obstructions
  2. Only at night when traffic is light
  3. Only when it is safe to do so
  4. Only if you leave your engine running

On ordinary roads, unlike motorways, you may remove an obstruction yourself but only when it is safe to do so (Highway Code Rule 280).

Question 24

You stop to help at a collision. Why should the engines of the vehicles involved be switched off?

  1. To reduce the risk of fire
  2. To save fuel while waiting
  3. To stop the batteries going flat
  4. To make it easier to hear the radio

At an incident scene you should switch off engines (and ensure no one smokes) to reduce the risk of fire from spilt fuel (Highway Code Rules 281-283 and Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 25

At the scene of an incident, uninjured people should be moved to safety. When is it acceptable to move an INJURED casualty?

  1. When the ambulance is taking a long time
  2. Only if they are in immediate danger, such as from fire or oncoming traffic
  3. When they ask for a more comfortable position
  4. As soon as you have checked their breathing

Injured people should not be moved as this can worsen their injuries, unless leaving them would put them in immediate danger (Highway Code Rules 281-283 and Annex 7).

Question 26

A lorry involved in an incident is displaying an orange reflective plate. What does this tell you?

  1. It is an abnormal wide load
  2. It belongs to the highway authority
  3. It is carrying dangerous goods
  4. It is exempt from speed limits

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods display orange reflective plates. Keep well away, switch off engines and do not attempt a rescue (Highway Code Rules 284-285).

Question 27

You arrive at an incident involving a tanker carrying a flammable load. Which action does the Highway Code specifically warn AGAINST?

  1. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle
  2. Switching off your engine
  3. Reporting the markings on the vehicle to the emergency services
  4. Using a mobile phone close to the flammable load

Near vehicles carrying flammable dangerous goods you should keep your distance, switch off engines and avoid using mobile phones close to the load, as they could be an ignition risk (Highway Code Rules 284-285).

Question 28

You collide with a parked car and damage it, but the owner cannot be found. Within what time must you report the collision to the police?

  1. 24 hours
  2. 48 hours
  3. 7 days
  4. 14 days

If you cannot exchange details after a collision causing damage, you must report it to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 24 hours (Highway Code Rule 286).

Question 29

Following an injury collision, the police ask you to produce your insurance certificate but you don't have it with you. How long do you have to produce it at a police station?

  1. 24 hours
  2. 3 days
  3. 14 days
  4. 7 days

If you cannot produce your insurance certificate at the time, you may be asked to produce it at a police station within seven days (Highway Code Rule 287).

Question 30

Which details must drivers exchange after a collision that causes damage or injury?

  1. Occupation and place of work
  2. Names, addresses and vehicle registration numbers
  3. Driving licence numbers only
  4. Bank details for repair costs

After a collision causing damage or injury you must stop and give your name, address and the vehicle registration number to anyone with reasonable grounds for requiring them (Highway Code Rule 286).

Question 31

In the DR ABC first-aid routine, what does the 'R' stand for?

  1. Recovery
  2. Rescue
  3. Response
  4. Resuscitation

DR ABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. To check for a response, gently shake the casualty's shoulders and ask 'Are you all right?' (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 32

An unresponsive casualty needs their airway opened. How should you do this?

  1. Roll them onto their front
  2. Tilt the head back and lift the chin forward
  3. Raise their legs above their head
  4. Give them small sips of water

For an unresponsive casualty, open the airway by lifting the chin forward. Never give a casualty anything to eat or drink (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 33

When giving chest compressions to an adult casualty who is not breathing, how deep should each compression be?

  1. 1-2 centimetres
  2. 3-4 centimetres
  3. 10-12 centimetres
  4. 5-6 centimetres

Chest compressions should be given in the centre of the chest, hard and fast, to a depth of 5-6 cm at a rate of about twice per second (100-120 per minute) (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 34

At what rate should chest compressions be given during CPR?

  1. About 100 to 120 per minute
  2. About 30 per minute
  3. About 60 per minute
  4. About 200 per minute

Compressions should be given hard and fast at around twice per second, that is 100-120 compressions per minute, until the casualty breathes or professional help arrives (Highway Code Annex 7).

Question 35

How long should you continue CPR on a casualty who is not breathing?

  1. For a maximum of two minutes
  2. Until they can breathe on their own or professional help takes over
  3. Until an off-duty doctor is found
  4. For exactly 30 compressions

Continue chest compressions without stopping until the casualty starts breathing normally or medical professionals arrive and take over (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 36

A casualty has a burn on their arm. For how long, as a minimum, should you cool the burn with clean water?

  1. 2 minutes
  2. 5 minutes
  3. 10 minutes
  4. 20 minutes

Burns should be cooled with clean, cool water for at least 20 minutes. Cover with cling film if available, and never remove anything sticking to the burn (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 37

While treating a burn you notice a piece of clothing has stuck to the wound. What should you do?

  1. Peel it off slowly
  2. Cut around it and pull the rest away
  3. Leave it in place and continue cooling the burn
  4. Cover it with an adhesive plaster

Do not remove anything that is sticking to a burn, as this can cause further damage. Cool the burn and cover with cling film if available (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 38

A casualty has a wound with a piece of glass embedded in it. How should you control the bleeding?

  1. Apply firm pressure around the wound without pressing on the glass
  2. Press directly on the glass with a bandage
  3. Pull the glass out, then apply pressure
  4. Pour water over the wound to flush the glass out

Never press on an object embedded in a wound. Apply firm pressure around it and secure a clean pad or material over the wound (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 39

A conscious casualty at a collision scene says they are thirsty. What should you do?

  1. Give them small sips of water
  2. Give them a warm sweet drink
  3. Reassure them but do not give them anything to eat or drink
  4. Offer them chocolate for energy

Never give a casualty anything to eat or drink. Keep them warm and comfortable and provide reassurance until help arrives (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 40

When you call 999 or 112 to report a road traffic incident, which information will the emergency services need?

  1. Your driving licence number
  2. The precise location, the number of vehicles involved and the condition of any casualties
  3. The make and model of your own car only
  4. The names of all the witnesses

When calling the emergency services, give them the exact location, the number of vehicles involved and details of the casualties' conditions (Highway Code Annex 7: First Aid on the Road).

Question 41

Your vehicle breaks down on a level crossing and a train could be approaching. What is the FIRST priority?

  1. Try to restart the engine
  2. Push the vehicle clear on your own
  3. Collect your belongings from the boot
  4. Get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing immediately

In an emergency on a level crossing, evacuate the vehicle immediately and get everyone clear, then use the railway telephone to contact the signal operator (Highway Code Rules 291-299).

Question 42

When may you use hazard warning lights while your vehicle is actually moving?

  1. On a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, to warn drivers behind of a hazard ahead
  2. Whenever visibility falls below 100 metres
  3. When you are being towed on any road
  4. When you are double-parked and looking for a space

You must not use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed, except on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn drivers behind of a hazard or obstruction ahead (Highway Code Rule 116).

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