Road crashes: what happens next can kill

Written by; Regina Bless

Road crashes can have devastating consequences, but according to road safety experts, the moments immediately following a collision can be just as critical as the crash itself.

Director of Studies and Officer-in-Charge of the Road Traffic and Accident Section (RTC) at FATS, DOI Ezra Kpakpo Mingle, has drawn attention to the importance of what happens after a road crash.

“Whenever there’s any collision, what we call accidents, it’s not the accident per se that kills most of the victims; it is what happens to them after the collision,” he stated.

His comments highlight the importance of prompt and appropriate response after a crash. How injured persons are handled, how quickly emergency assistance arrives, and whether the crash scene is properly secured can all affect the outcome.

Road users who witness crashes are encouraged to prioritise safety, alert the appropriate emergency services and avoid actions that could put themselves or injured persons at further risk.

The issue also underscores the need for greater public education on road-crash response. While preventing crashes remains the primary goal, communities must also understand how to respond safely when collisions occur.

Authorities, emergency responders, drivers and members of the public all have a role to play in reducing deaths and serious injuries following road crashes.

Ultimately, surviving a collision may only be the first step. Ensuring that victims receive timely and appropriate assistance afterwards can make a critical difference.