Breakdowns, towing & accidents
Secure the scene, call for help, give first aid
Breakdown: how to stay safe
- Switch on hazard lights
- Roll as far right as possible, onto the hard shoulder or an emergency bay
- Put on your hi‑vis vest before getting out
- Everyone gets out on the side away from traffic – behind the barrier
- Set up the triangle: walk behind the barrier, carry it in front of you
- Call for help: emergency phone, 112 or breakdown service
Warning triangle and required equipment
- Warning triangle in towns: about 50 m behind the vehicle
- Outside towns: about 100 m
- Autobahn: at least 200 m
- Before bends and crests: place it earlier
- Required on board: warning triangle, first‑aid kit, hi‑vis vest
- First‑aid kit to DIN 13164 – check expiry dates
- Arrows on delineator posts point to the nearest emergency phone
Towing correctly
- Only to the next suitable place, e.g. a garage
- On the Autobahn: leave at the next exit
- Never join the Autobahn with a towed vehicle
- Both vehicles switch on hazard lights
- Gap at most 5 m, tow rope clearly marked
- In the towed car: ignition on, a competent person steers
- Without engine: brakes and steering are heavy – a tow bar is better
Accident: the right sequence
- Stop immediately, hazard lights on
- Put on your hi‑vis vest, secure the scene
- If anyone is injured: call 112
- Give first aid
- Minor damage only: take photos, then move to the side promptly
- Exchange details: name, address, number plate, insurer
- Never just drive off – that is a criminal offence
Emergency call 112: the key questions
- Where did it happen?
- What happened?
- How many people are injured?
- What injuries are there?
- Wait for questions – don't just hang up!
First aid at the scene
- Talk to and touch them: is the person conscious?
- Unconscious: tilt head back, check breathing for at most 10 seconds
- Breathing normally: recovery position, keep monitoring breathing
- Not breathing: 30 compressions, 2 breaths, 100–120 per minute
- Have someone fetch a defibrillator (AED) and use it
- Heavy bleeding: apply a pressure bandage
- Reassure, cover them, don't leave them alone
Helping is a duty
Anyone who does not help although it is reasonable commits the offence of failure to render assistance. You can hardly do anything wrong – the only mistake is doing nothing. Take the helmet off unconscious motorcyclists, ideally with two people. Gawking and filming at accident scenes is punished.
This is what safe looks like
Hazard lights on, vest on, everyone behind the barrier, triangle far back – only then make the call.
This source question references an image or scene that is not yet supplied. Do not use it for scored practice.
Remember: secure – call – help
The sequence protects you too: first secure the scene so there is no second crash. Then call so professionals come. Then help – until paramedics take over. Several helpers? Assign tasks out loud.
You break down on the Autobahn. At least how far behind your vehicle do you set up the warning triangle?
- 50 m
- 100 m
- 200 m
Check answer
200 m
On the Autobahn at least 200 m – even earlier before bends or crests. Walk behind the crash barrier.
An injured person is unconscious and breathing normally. What do you do?
- I put them in the recovery position
- I start chest compressions immediately
- I keep monitoring their breathing
Check answer
I put them in the recovery position
I keep monitoring their breathing
The recovery position keeps the airway clear. Breathing may stop – then start resuscitation at once.
You are towing a car that broke down on the Autobahn. What is correct?
- I leave the Autobahn at the next exit
- I may stay on the Autobahn until the garage at my destination
- Both vehicles switch on their hazard lights
Check answer
I leave the Autobahn at the next exit
Both vehicles switch on their hazard lights
Towed vehicles must leave the Autobahn at the next exit. Hazard lights on both vehicles are compulsory (§ 15a StVO).