Securing the Scene: A Guide to Preventing a Second Accident

The initial impact of a car accident is a terrifying, violent event. But in the moments that follow, a new and often underestimated danger emerges: the risk of a second accident. A disabled vehicle in a lane of traffic, especially on a busy highway like I-5 or a dark road at night, is a major hazard. Oncoming drivers may not have enough time to react, leading to a chain-reaction pile-up that can be far more devastating than the original crash.

Your first priority after any collision is to protect yourself and others from further harm. “Securing the scene” is the process of making the crash site as safe as possible for yourself, your passengers, and approaching motorists while you wait for help to arrive.

This is not just a suggestion; it’s a critical safety procedure. This guide provides a step-by-step checklist for securing an accident scene safely and effectively.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Your Safety is the #1 Priority: Do not stand in an active traffic lane. If possible, wait for help in your car with your seatbelt on, or on the shoulder far away from moving traffic.
• Move Your Vehicle (If Safe): If the accident was minor and your car is drivable, Washington law encourages you to move it to the shoulder or a safe location off the main roadway to prevent obstructing traffic.
• Make Yourself Visible: Turn on your hazard lights (emergency flashers) immediately. This is the most important signal to other drivers that there is a hazard ahead.
• Call 911 Immediately: Reporting the crash not only brings medical and police help but also alerts emergency dispatchers to a traffic hazard, so they can warn other drivers.
• Stay in Your Vehicle on Highways: On a busy highway, it is often safest to remain in your car with your seatbelt fastened after a crash. Getting out can put you at risk of being struck by another vehicle.

Step 1: The “Move It” Law – Clearing the Road Safely

Washington State has a “Steer It and Clear It” law for a reason. A disabled vehicle is a major cause of traffic congestion and dangerous secondary crashes.

• When to Move: If the accident is minor (a fender bender), there are no serious injuries, and your vehicle is safe to drive, you should move it completely off the main travel lanes to the nearest safe location, like the shoulder or a nearby parking lot.
• When NOT to Move: Do NOT move your vehicle if there is a serious injury or fatality, if your car is leaking fluid or on fire, or if it is otherwise undrivable.

Step 2: Make Your Vehicle as Visible as Possible

Your goal is to give oncoming drivers as much advance warning as possible.

• Hazard Lights: This is the universal signal for a disabled vehicle. Turn them on immediately, day or night.
• Interior Dome Light: At night, turning on your interior lights can make your vehicle slightly more visible.
• Road Flares or Triangles: If you have an emergency kit with reflective triangles or road flares and you can do so without entering a lane of active traffic, place them 50-100 feet behind your vehicle to warn others. Never risk your safety to do this.

Step 3: Decide on the Safest Place to Wait

Where you should wait for help depends on your location.

• On a Busy Highway (I-5, SR 16): In most cases, the safest place you can be is in your vehicle with your seatbelt on. Exiting your vehicle and standing on a narrow shoulder with traffic flying past at high speed is incredibly dangerous.
• On a Slower City or Residential Street: If you are on a slower street in Tacoma and can get your vehicle completely off the road, it may be safer to wait on a sidewalk or well away from the road, especially if you are worried about your car being hit again.

Step 4: Your 911 Call is a Safety Tool

When you call 911, you are not just requesting help for yourself; you are also alerting the entire emergency response system to a traffic hazard. Be sure to tell the operator if your vehicle is in a position that is blocking a lane of traffic. This information can be relayed to WSDOT to post warnings on electronic signs, and it alerts responding officers and fire trucks to be prepared for a dangerous traffic situation.

By taking these deliberate steps to secure the scene, you are protecting yourself from the very real danger of a second, more serious collision.

Once the scene is safe and has been cleared by law enforcement, your focus will turn to the claims process. If you have been injured in an accident in the Tacoma area, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. Compare profiles and find a trusted local attorney who can handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.

References

• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – What to do if you’re in a collision:Official state guidance that includes safety tips for what to do after a crash, such as moving your vehicle if possible.

  https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/vehicle-safety/in-a-collision

• Washington State Legislature – RCW 46.52.020 – Duty in case of… damage to attended vehicle:The state law that includes the requirement for drivers in a property-damage-only crash to move their vehicle from the roadway.

  https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.52.020

• National Safety Council (NSC) – “What to Do After a Car Crash”:An authoritative national resource that provides a checklist for post-accident safety, including tips on preventing secondary collisions.

  https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/what-to-do-after-a-car-crash