If you witness a traffic accident with casualties, are you allowed to change the state of the vehicles or of the objects scattered on the road?

Question

DentroTest · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is: No, nothing should be moved unless it is essential for safety. Detailed explanation: General Rule: According to the Traffic Regulations and the Criminal Code, in an accident (especially if there are injured people or fatalities) the scene must be preserved exactly as it was left. This allows the authorities to study the marks, the position of the vehicles and the debris to determine the responsibilities and causes of the accident. The Exception (PAS Protect): The only justification for altering the scene is safety. If a vehicle or object poses an imminent danger that could cause another accident, or if something has to be moved in order to assist a victim who is trapped or in danger (for example, risk of fire), then you must act. Why the other options are wrong: Objects must not be removed simply because they 'obstruct' traffic if that destroys evidence, unless the obstruction creates a serious and immediate danger that cannot be signaled. Objects must never be 'put back in their original place', as that would alter the police investigation.

If you witness a traffic accident with casualties, are you allowed to change the state of the vehicles or of the objects scattered on the road?

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