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The more time you spend on the road, the more accidents you'll likely see. According to the Automobile Association (AA), there are about 900,000 vehicle collisions in South Africa annually, with an average of 14,000 road deaths.

Coming across or witnessing an accident can be a frightening and harrowing experience. It also puts you in a position where you could save someone's life. Therefore, it is crucial to act quickly, wisely and safely when we witness and assist in an accident. 

Here are some tips on how to help wisely and safely when you come across an accident:

• When you are the first on the scene, quickly pull over your vehicle and park at a safe distance and turn on your vehicle's hazard and headlights. Set up traffic triangles to alert other drivers of the crash, especially when visibility is limited or reduced, such as at night or in bad weather.
• The next important step is to call emergency services such as ER24 on 084 124 or Netcare 911 on 082 911. Give the operator your telephone number, location, details of the accident, how many people are injured and if there is a fire.
• Once the scene has been secured and you have contacted the emergency services, see if the people involved need assistance. Calm and reassure the people and take special care of children, if there are any. Make them aware that you have already called for help.
• Do not attempt to move anyone unless there is a threat of fire. If the injured person is breathing, leave them in their position and keep a watchful eye on them. If there is an unconscious person and you have experience doing CPR, begin to do so. If anyone is bleeding heavily, you can use any material at hand to place over the wound and apply direct pressure until help arrives.
• If the accident victim is conscious, ask the questions to gauge whether they have any head injuries. Ensure you let the paramedics know the victims' state when they arrive.

It is in our human nature to instinctively want to help when we see someone in danger; most of us immediately jump to action without any thought. Keeping these tips in mind can help ensure you are doing what you can for the victims and emergency services while keeping yourself safe from harm. It is essential to know your limits so that you do not put yourself or the victims in danger. Leave what you cannot do to the emergency personnel.