First Aid & Breakdown Safety (what to do after an accident) -

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This guide covers the most tested Dutch theory points for first aid & breakdown safety: securing the scene, protecting passengers, calling emergency services, and your legal duties after an accident.

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Key rules in 60 seconds

1) Secure the scene first

Switch on hazard warning lights immediately.
Put on a reflective vest if you have one.
Move yourself and passengers to a safe place (especially on fast roads).

2) Motorway breakdown = behind the barrier

Stop on the hard shoulder / emergency lane if possible.
Everyone exits on the right side and waits behind the crash barrier.
Call for help: 112 for danger/injuries, otherwise roadside assistance.

3) Warning triangle (when needed)

Use a triangle if your stationary vehicle is a hazard and may not be seen in time.
If your hazard lights are flashing, a triangle is generally not required.
Place it clearly visible about 30 metres behind the vehicle (towards approaching traffic).

4) Help the injured

Check for injuries, keep people calm, and call 112 if anyone is injured or it’s unsafe.
Do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic, etc.).

5) Don’t leave too early

Stay until identity/vehicle details can be established.
Don’t leave an injured person without needed help.

Detailed guide

What to do after an accident (CBR-style steps)

Step 1 — Make the situation safe

Hazard lights on.
If safe: move the vehicle to a safer spot (for example the hard shoulder).
Keep yourself visible and stay out of live lanes.

Step 2 — Check people

Are there injuries? Is anyone unconscious?
If there are injuries, danger, or the road is blocked: call 112.

Step 3 — Warn other traffic

If needed and safe, use a warning triangle (see rule above).
On fast roads, focus on getting people to safety first (behind the barrier).

Step 4 — Call help

112 for injuries, fire, dangerous location, or major obstruction.
Otherwise call roadside assistance / recovery service.

Step 5 — Exchange details

Name/address, vehicle details, insurance details if relevant.
Take photos if safe; use the European accident form if you have it.

Motorway breakdown safety (most common exam questions)

Where is the safest place to wait?
Behind the crash barrier, away from the carriageway.

Do you stay in the car?
Usually no. On a motorway, it’s safer to leave the car and wait behind the barrier (unless someone is injured and moving them is unsafe).

Hard shoulder rules (quick reminder)

The hard shoulder is for emergencies only.
Do not stop there for non-emergencies (e.g., phone calls).

Common mistakes to avoid

Standing next to the car on the hard shoulder.
Trying to fix the car while traffic passes at high speed.
Leaving the scene before exchanging details / ensuring help for injured persons.
Using a warning triangle in an unsafe way (risking your own safety).

FAQ

What is the safest place to wait after a motorway breakdown?
Behind the crash barrier, away from the carriageway.

What should you do first after an accident?
Secure the scene: hazard lights, make people safe, then call 112 if needed.

Do you stay in the car?
On a motorway, usually no—leave the vehicle and wait behind the barrier unless injury makes moving unsafe.

When should you place a warning triangle?
When your stationary vehicle is a hazard and approaching traffic might not see it in time (typically placed about 30 m behind, clearly visible).

Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)

WVW 1994: duties after a traffic accident; leaving the scene is prohibited (Art. 7).
WVW 1994: general duty to avoid danger/hindrance while securing the scene (Art. 5).
RVV 1990: warning triangle rules; generally not required if hazard lights are flashing (Art. 58).

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