I was driving round the M25 and there was an accident in front of me, I could still get round so I slowed down, put hazards on but drove past and carried on my way.

What’s the actual protocol in those situations? I could see all the airbags were deployed, there’s nothing I could do for the people inside and for sure getting out on a motorway is a bad idea.

But I feel like I should have done something different. Can anyone with knowledge enlighten me?

  • Devi@kbin.social
    5·
    9 months ago

    A side note is providing protection. I drove a larger vehicle. I recently witnessed a motorway accident (driver fell asleep at the wheel). A depressing number of drivers were dangerous idiots. Several cars drove between stopped vehicles to get past. Some got very close to running over rescuers. I ended up using my van to block off the immediate area, and force traffic well clear.

    That’s a brilliant point. My car once broke down on the motorway, I managed to limp it along at 25mph until I got to a place to turn off, and then it went on fire at the turn off which is a whole other problem.

    But while I was limping along a big articulated lorry came behind me, held my speed, and put their hazards on to protect me, it was so good of them and kept me safe. I wish I could thank that guy/girl.

    • cynar@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      9 months ago

      During the same accident I mentioned, a lorry driver involved possibly saved the other guys life.

      The driver fell asleep at the wheel, and drifted into the side of an artic. He then drifted back towards the central reservation. The lorry driver, who was hit, actually forced his way across. This cleared the light traffic (a weirdly manoeuvring lorry gets everyone to back off!). He then deliberately hit/captured the out of control car, and held it straight as they both slowed down to a stop.

      I was just behind all of this. However, several people had already jumped out to help, including the lorry driver. I initially gave them as much space as I could. I only moved up when several cars forced their way past, almost side swiping the rescuers. I was told the driver was injured, but fell asleep when I asked if they needed any more help. Last I saw, both were safely manoeuvred onto the hard shoulder.

      Artics can be the bane of my day at times, but, when push comes to shove, they are DAMN good at using their rigs! They are not easy to drive, but would put ballerinas to shame, and make boy scouts look selfish.

      • Devi@kbin.social
        3·
        9 months ago

        That’s pretty clever. It all could have gone so much worse if you and them hadn’t been on your A game that day.

        • cynar@lemmy.worldEnglish
          1·
          9 months ago

          If you’re driving any distance, and you’re not at your A game, you’re doing something very bad. Even a small car, going fast enough, is easily capable of reducing a person to meat paste. If I’m in charge of a larger vehicle, I’m treating it with the respect it deserves.