People at risk should exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to exit the vehicle on the right-hand side due to the risk from passing traffic, they should exit via the left-hand side.
Once people at risk have exited the vehicle, they should stand in a safe place that is upstream of their parked vehicle. Where possible, they should stand behind a safety barrier as this offers extra protection; they should not stand next to their vehicle or between their vehicle and oncoming traffic.
If people at risk are standing on verges, they should try to remain aware of any unseen hazards such as uneven ground or debris.
People at risk should wear bright or highly visible clothing, if available, to make themselves more visible to other road users.
Due to the risk of companion animals being scared, running into traffic and causing a collision, it will be safer for them to remain in the vehicle. Companion animals should only be removed from vehicles in an emergency, for example if the vehicle is on fire, and should be kept under control and stay with people at all times.
Even if it is raining, cold or dark, people at risk should still be encouraged to follow the advice above as this should be safer than remaining in their vehicle.
If people at risk cannot exit their vehicle because they are located in a live traffic lane, because of the volume of passing traffic or they feel their life is in danger, they should stay in their vehicle with their seatbelts and hazard lights on. This will only be appropriate where the vehicle is not on fire.
If the incident is located on a motorway, people at risk should not use warning triangles as they are unsafe to use in that environment.