What to Tell 9-1-1 when Reporting a Car Accident from the Highway

OWL VFD’s first due area covers a section of Interstate 95. We are dispatched to several auto accident calls along this stretch of the interstate. When there is confusion about where the accident happened and in which direction of the highway the crash took place it leads to lost time for crews trying to arrive to render aid. In order to help us reach patients as quickly and efficiently as possible, here are some tips when calling to report a crash from the highway.

General Rules of Thumb: If you were involved in the accident and it was minor, pull your cars aside and exchange insurance information. If it was major and there are injuries, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

If possible, it’s safer to stay in your car, but in the event of a fire or if there is a potential of a fire due to severe damage to the vehicle, of course, exit your car immediately. Do not walk around your car. You and your passengers should stay on the side of the road away from oncoming traffic. 

Information You’ll Need: These are the key things 9-1-1 will need to know:

• Is the accident in the northbound or southbound lane?
• Is the accident in the express lanes?
• If you are involved in the accident, what is the last mile marker you saw before the accident, or what mile marker can you see from your location?
• If you are not involved in the accident, what is the last mile marker you saw before seeing the accident?

These answers will help dispatchers determine what units to send.

Misinformation can cause a unit to be dispatched PAST the accident or not enter the interstate at an exit that will allow them to reach you. Confusion causes response delays.

Other Information to Relay: Report any known injuries, or if there are assumed injuries. Also let them know if anyone is trapped, missing or if the vehicles are on fire.

If you were involved in the accident (not reporting an accident you saw) stay on the phone with the call taker until help arrives.

We understand it’s often hard to know what to do in an emergency, but being prepared will help you give the right information to those who can best assist during a stressful time.