19 “Fatal” Safety Mistakes You Should Never, Ever, EVER Make, According To First Responders

7.

“Quickly learned as a police reporter: Secondary ‘rubbernecking’ accidents are extremely common. Drivers get tunnel vision when passing an accident, sometimes rear-ending the car in front of them, sometimes hitting responders, unhurt crash victims, and bystanders. Also, if a vehicle is on its top or side on an embankment, and you are assessing the condition of occupants, be SURE to check from the uphill side. The vehicle may be barely in balance and suddenly roll over you if you’re on the downhill side. Don’t get tunnel vision yourself if you are running to help — you may not notice a car barreling toward you, and that driver is probably looking at the accident, too.”

“Finally, if you have no skills to help, assuming you are not among the first on site, with 911 on the phone, DON’T STOP. You can only get in the way. Police reporters watch from a good distance; do not approach until first responders are about wrapped up, keep a hard lookout for any car that might run over them.”

—beeegood