Traffic Accident Scene Handling

Traffic accident scene management covers the entire end-to-end emergency response and professional investigation process, spanning from the moment a road traffic accident occurs until traffic flow returns to normal, on-site evidence is fully secured, and all parties have cleared the scene. This critical phase establishes accident causation, determines liability, and prevents secondary accidents, directly influencing subsequent legal rulings and civil compensation claims.

Core Handling Stages and Standardised Response Procedures

According to road traffic safety management protocols, traffic accident scene management is generally divided into three closely linked stages: 

Initial Emergency Response (Golden Rescue Window and Safety Precautions): 

Immediate Stop and Engine Cut-Off: Following an accident, the driver must immediately apply the footbrake, engage the handbrake, switch off the ignition/power supply (to prevent short-circuit electrical fires), and activate the hazard lights. 

Preventing Secondary Accidents: Deploy an emergency warning triangle behind the vehicle at the mandated distance (50 to 100 metres on standard roads; at least 150 metres on expressways/highways). All occupants must evacuate immediately to a safe area behind the guardrail, with lingering in active traffic lanes strictly prohibited. 

Casualty Treatment and Emergency Reporting: In the event of injuries, call the 120 ambulance hotline immediately and administer basic first aid where feasible while ensuring personal safety; simultaneously, dial 122 immediately to lodge a police report.

Evidence Preservation and Scene Protection:

Strict Scene Preservation: Without clearance from traffic police, no party is permitted to tamper with or move the involved vehicles, scattered debris, tyre skid marks, or other vital physical evidence (any vehicle movement necessitated by life-saving rescue efforts must be clearly marked beforehand). 

Cooperating with Traffic Police Investigations: Once traffic police arrive at the scene, all parties must provide a truthful account of the incident and fully cooperate with on-site measurements, photographic evidence gathering, breathalyser/alcohol screening, and recording of official statements.

Clearing the Scene and Restoring Traffic Flow: 

Once the traffic police have concluded their scene investigation and issued clearance orders, the parties involved must promptly remove the damaged vehicles via towing or safe driving, thoroughly clear any road debris and oil spills, and assist traffic authorities in swiftly reopening the road to normal traffic.

High-Risk Contingencies and Key Safety Directives

During accident scene management, improper handling can easily trigger catastrophic secondary collisions; therefore, the following non-negotiable safety rules must be strictly adhered to:

Strict Ban on "Lingering in Active Lanes to Argue": Regardless of accident severity, parties involved are strictly prohibited from remaining, disputing, or spectating in the main lanes of expressways or urban highways. Rear-end collisions from incoming high-speed traffic are often fatal; personal safety must always remain the utmost priority.

Zero Tolerance for Hit-and-Run and Illegal Private Settlements: If an accident involves casualties, extensive property damage, or suspected drink-driving or unlicensed driving, under no circumstances should parties agree to informal private settlements or flee the scene. Any attempt to evade responsibility will not only compromise civil claim entitlements, but also attract severe criminal penalties. 

Special Road Scenarios and Hazardous Materials Precautions: If the collision involves special transport vehicles carrying hazardous chemicals, natural gas, or flammable substances, everyone on scene must immediately evacuate upwind to a safe zone. Strictly avoid using naked flames or operating mobile phones, and cooperate fully with specialised fire and hazardous material (Hazmat) response units to neutralise the danger.