On the road, an accident can happen at any moment—and the first few minutes count. In France, knowing how to react is not just useful; it is a legal obligation. Failing to assist a person in danger constitutes a criminal offense ("failure to assist a person in danger"). The good news is that the method is simple to remember. It is called PAS: Protect, Alert, Save. Always in this order.

P for Protect

Before rushing toward the injured, secure the scene. Otherwise, you risk a secondary accident (a second crash, such as a car hitting the scene).

• Turn on your hazard lights (the warnings, those blinkers that flash on both sides).
• Park safely, off the roadway if possible.
• Put on your high-visibility vest (the fluorescent yellow vest) before exiting the vehicle. It is mandatory in every car, as is the warning triangle.
• Turn off the ignition of the crashed vehicles (remove or turn the key / press Start) to reduce the risk of fire.
• Mark the area: place the triangle at a sufficient distance upstream (at least 30 meters, more on highways) to warn other drivers.
• Keep witnesses away from the roadway and forbid smoking near vehicles (risk of spilled fuel).
• On highways, have everyone move behind the safety barrier (the metal guardrail).

Protecting means protecting other road users, the victims... and yourself.

A for Alert

Once the area is secured, raise the alarm. In France, several free numbers exist, reachable even without credit:

• 15: the SAMU (medical emergencies, serious injuries).
• 18: the firefighters (accidents, fires, extrication).
• 112: the European emergency number, valid throughout the European Union. Prefer this when calling from a mobile phone or if you are unsure who to call.
• 114: a number accessible via SMS or fax for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The switchboards for 15, 18, and 112 communicate with each other: you will be redirected if necessary. Never hang up first—wait for the operator to authorize you to do so.

What to say? Stay calm and precise:

• Where: exact location, name of the road or highway, direction of travel, kilometer marker (PK), nearest milestone or exit.
• What: type of accident, number of vehicles involved.
• How many victims and their apparent condition (conscious? bleeding? trapped?).
• Specific dangers: fire, fuel leak, hazardous materials.

S for Save

This is the most delicate step. The golden rule: never move a victim, except in cases of immediate danger (fire, risk of explosion, vehicle on a lane where traffic could not be stopped). Clumsy movement can worsen a spinal injury.

Some basic actions while waiting for help:

• Talk to the victim, reassure them, ask them not to move.
• If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the Recovery Position (PLS): on their side, to prevent choking. This is one of the few recommended movements.
• In case of hemorrhage (heavy bleeding), press firmly directly on the wound with a clean cloth or your hand, without releasing pressure, until help arrives.
• Cover the victim to prevent hypothermia.

Case of the motorcyclist: never remove the helmet of an injured motorcyclist. This action can cause or aggravate a severe neck injury. Leave it in place; rescuers will remove it using the appropriate technique.

These actions are basics. To truly master them, take a PSC1 training course (Prevention and Civic Safety Level 1)—short, inexpensive, and very useful.

The Amicable Accident Report

For accidents involving property damage only (no injuries), fill out the amicable accident report (blue form provided by your insurer, or via the e-constat auto app).

• Fill it out on the spot, together, calmly. Make a sketch, check the relevant boxes, and note the contact details and license plate of the other driver.
• Once signed by both parties, it cannot be modified: do not sign unless you agree.
• You generally have 5 working days to send your copy to your insurer.

If there are injuries, do not file a report in the urgency: call emergency services first (15, 18, or 112).

Hit-and-Run

Leaving the scene of an accident in which you are involved to evade responsibility is a criminal offense severely punished: up to 3 years in prison and a €75,000 fine, plus a deduction of 6 points from your license, along with possible additional penalties (suspension or cancellation of the license).

Even for a minor scratch with no witnesses: leave a note with your contact details, or report the incident. Staying means respecting the law—and the basis of solidarity among road users.

Key Takeaways

• PAS: Protect (vest, hazard lights, cut ignition, mark at 30 m min), Alert, Save—always in this order.
• Free numbers: 15 SAMU, 18 Firefighters, 112 European, 114 SMS for deaf/hard of hearing. Never hang up first.
• Do not move a victim unless there is immediate danger; use PLS if unconscious and breathing; do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet.
• Hemorrhage: strong and continuous compression on the wound.
• Amicable report: to be filled out on the spot, irrevocable once signed, to be sent within 5 working days.
• Hit-and-run: up to 3 years in prison, €75,000 fine, and −6 points. Never leave.