Many people driving on today’s highways would answer the question, “What’s the first thing you do if you witness a car crash?” with “Start videoing and post it on the net.”
There are others, though, whose first reaction after witnessing a fender-bender or worse is to stop what they’re doing and assist however way they can, whether it that means calling authorities, helping to push disabled vehicles off the road, warning and diverting oncoming traffic, or providing lifesaving measures.
The rewards for those helping distressed and/or injured strangers varies, however.
In September 2010, a Bostoncity worker witnessed a taxi careen into a tree, badly injuring the passenger. The worker ran to help and ended up pulling the passenger out of the car moments before the vehicle turned into a fireball. The passenger is recovering and the local fire chief publicly praised the Good Samaritan’s actions.
California resident Lisa Torti, on the other hand, received no such praise in 2004 after she pulled a friend out of a wrecked car Torti thought was going to explode. Sued by the former friend who claimed Torti yanked her “like a rag doll,” leaving her a paraplegic, the case made national headlines two years ago when California’s 1980 Emergency Medical Service Act, protecting Good Samaritans from lawsuits, was challenged by the plaintiff’s lawyers. The courts ultimately ruled 4-3 that only those administering professional medical care have immunity. But in August of 2009, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzegger signed Assembly Bill 83, extending protection to all Californians who assist victims during crashes.
What are your obligations and liabilities if you come across a crash and want to help? It varies state-to-state; HeartSafe America provides an official list.
The following are the steps you should take when you see a vehicle collision:
1. If you’re the first person at a vehicle crash, pull completely off the road, preferably 20 feet or more away from the collision. Emergency personnel have able to see the collision and stop next to it for easy access. Check to see if anyone is injured.
2. Call 9-1-1. If another person stops to help, ask that person to call 911. The person calling must be ready to answer questions and provide as much information as they can, such as the location of the emergency (cross streets, freeway on/off ramp information) and how many people need help (is anyone bleeding, unconscious, or without a pulse)
3. If available, use flares or emergency triangles. If there is a gasoline leak or fumes, don’t use the flares – and don’t smoke. Help anyone who is not already walking and talking. Do not move an injured person unless he or she is in a burning vehicle or in other danger. Moving someone incorrectly often makes an injury worse.
4. Move the vehicle(s) involved out of the traffic lane if they’re not disabled, then turn off the ignition of wrecked autos and give them to the car’s owners, or to tow truck drivers.
