Page 1437 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 531

01 September 2016

Roadside Accidents

Two recent accidents involving roadside crashes highlight the need for extra care when walking on or near roads.

In one incident a woman was killed when she exited her car on the live carriageway of the M61 after she was
involved in a minor collision, hitting the central reservation, and her vehicle became immovable. She was hit by
an oncoming lorry as she was inspecting the damage to her vehicle. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-
manchester-36701149

In a separate incident a man had both his legs amputated after being hit by a car when he had pulled over onto the
pavement to help a friend change a tyre of another vehicle. He was hit by a Ford Focus driver and pinned
between his vehicle and the Ford Focus. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36714465

If you have an accident or a flat tyre on a motorway, pull over onto the hard shoulder wherever possible, then exit
the vehicle and stand well away from the carriageway to call the emergency services. If the vehicle is immobile
and in a live lane, the highways agency advice is not to exit the vehicle, call the emergency services from within
the vehicle. Our JSA048 advises not to attempt to change wheels on the hard shoulder yourself – call out the
breakdown service.

If you have to stop on non-motorway roads, look for lay-bys or side roads that you can pull into off busy
carriageways, even if this means driving a few hundred meters with the flat tyre. Always pull over as far off the
carriageway as possible, use hazard warning lights, and wear high visibility clothing. Assess the risk of changing
tyres yourself, only do so if you are well off the carriageway and in a safe, flat, location and have the appropriate
tools.

If your vehicle has been involved in a collision, move to a safe location before inspecting the damage. Do not
attempt to repair any damage yourself.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for
us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!