What to do in a car crash as only 5% know the Highway Code rules – and could break the law
A fifth of Britons told Aviva they do not know what to do after a crash.
But the insurer found only 5% could correctly identify all the steps outlined in the Highway Code.
This included the legal requirement to stop at the scene of a crash - with more than a third (36%) not knowing this was in the Highway Code.
Almost half the drivers questioned (45%) were unsure about what to do after a crash which has damaged another vehicle or property. This rose to two thirds (66%) where someone gets hurt and 80% involving a wild or domestic animal.
And the risk of injury-causing accidents is not exactly low - NimbleFins research showing there are more than 24,000 serious injuries caused by road traffic accidents in the UK every year.
Read more: What's the Likelihood of Getting in a Car Accident in the UK?
Some of the requirements could make a claim on your car insurance more difficult, while others could see you break the law.
| Action | % of drivers who were aware this was a requirement |
|---|---|
| Stop at the scene | 64% |
| Exchange details with driver | 62% |
| Ring 999 | 43% |
| Stay at scene until emergency services arrive | 49% |
| Put on hi-vis clothing if you have it | 35% |
| Ask other drivers to switch off their engines | 28% |
| Ask other drivers and passengers to stop smoking | 17% |
The difficulties were not just felt by one age group, with trepidation felt by between 19% and 21% across all generations.
Matthew Washer, head of telematics at Aviva, says: “It’s worrying to see a lack of awareness when it comes to handling the aftermath of a collision, which could be putting people at risk as well as breaking the law.
“If you’re involved in a collision – whether that be a bump or a more serious collision - the most important thing is to check if anyone is hurt. If so, contact the emergency services straight away.
“From an insurance point of view - and only once everyone is safe – make sure you exchange details with the other party involved. Remember, all events - regardless of their severity - must be reported to your insurer."
What to do after a car crash
Being involved in a road collision can be a stressful experience. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you stay safe and follow the rules:
1) Stop safely
If possible, pull over in a safe place where you’re not blocking traffic – for example, on the hard shoulder. Turn off your engine and switch on your hazard lights so your vehicle is clearly visible. The Highway Code requires drivers to stop at the scene of an accident.
2) Call the emergency services
Check if anyone is injured. If medical attention is needed, call 999 immediately. You should also contact the police if someone is hurt, if the road is blocked, or if you feel the other driver is acting aggressively or suspiciously.
3) Exchange details
Share your name, address, contact number, driving licence number, vehicle registration, and insurance details with anyone else involved in the incident – including witnesses. Keeping this information handy or saved on your phone can help you stay calm and organised.
4) Document the scene
Take photos or videos of the vehicles, any damage, and the surrounding area. Note down the road name, direction of travel, speed (if relevant), and any visible injuries. This information can be useful if you need to make an insurance claim.
5) Contact your insurer
Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as you can. Be cautious when searching online – some ads may lead to scam phone numbers pretending to be your insurer. Always use contact details from official communications or the insurer’s own website.
If you hit a wild or domestic animal
If you hit an animal while driving, follow the same safety steps: pull over, turn off your engine, and switch on your hazard lights.
If the animal is a dog, horse, cow, pig, goat, donkey, or sheep, you must report it to the police. This is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
If the animal is injured, contact an appropriate welfare organisation such as the RSPCA (England and Wales), Scottish SPCA (Scotland), or ISPCA (Ireland).
For wild animals like deer or foxes, there’s no legal requirement to report it, but you can still contact an animal welfare charity if you’re concerned.
Lastly, check your vehicle for any damage before continuing your journey.
Scammers are intercepting insurance claims, Mr Washer said, adding a warning: "If you do need to make a claim, remain vigilant when it comes to contacting your insurer. Some claims companies use misleading search engine adverts, or 'spoof ads', to make customers think they are contacting their motor insurer.
“However, claiming via these companies could put customers at risk of being responsible for the cost of the claim, which can run well into the thousands of pounds. To avoid this, we recommend motorists store their insurer's claims contact details in their phone or glove compartment."
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