Teorio
Traffic accident
The sign warns of a traffic accident.
When you see the sign
Slow down and be prepared for queues, debris, people in the carriageway and emergency vehicles. Follow instructions from the police or others directing traffic, and pass the accident scene calmly without stopping unnecessarily.
Rules
- The sign warns of a traffic accident ahead, but does not itself impose a specific speed limit.
- You must adjust your speed so that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear, particularly because the carriageway may be wholly or partially blocked.
- Instructions from the police take precedence over traffic lights, signs and other traffic rules.
- You must give way to emergency vehicles and must not obstruct rescue work.
- If the distance to the accident scene is shown on a supplementary plate, the stated distance applies.
Tips
- Release the accelerator early, increase your following distance and avoid braking sharply.
- Look out for the end of the queue, broken glass, vehicle parts, spilled liquid or people in the carriageway.
- Keep your attention on the traffic, and do not use your mobile phone or slow down more than necessary to look at the accident.
- Be ready to follow temporary traffic directions, drive through a narrowed carriageway or take a signed diversion.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the sign indicates a specific lower speed limit. It warns of danger, while your speed must be adapted to the situation.
- Some people confuse the symbol with a warning of dangerous bends or a narrower road.
- Some people think they must always stop at the sign. You should only stop when the situation or traffic directions requires it.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AA steep hill ahead
- BDangerous bends ahead
- CA narrower road ahead
- DA traffic accident ahead
Medium
You see this sign on a road with a speed limit of 80 km/t. Visibility ahead is limited. What should you do?
- AContinue at 80 km/t because the sign does not specify a speed limit
- BAdjust your speed so that you can stop within the visible stretch of road
- CReduce your speed to 50 km/t because the sign requires this speed
- DStop immediately at the sign and wait for further instructions
Hard
At the accident site, the traffic light is green, but a police officer signals that you must stop. What should you do?
- AYou should continue because the traffic light is green
- BYou should stop and follow the police officer's instruction
- CYou should continue because the sign only warns of danger
- DYou should stop only if an emergency vehicle is approaching
Theory test tip
A typical trap is to choose that the sign means a narrower road or dangerous bends. Look for the accident symbol, and remember that the correct response is to reduce your speed according to the conditions and be prepared for obstacles and traffic directions.
Did you know
The sign is used for a specific and usually temporary event, unlike many other warning signs that indicate a permanent feature of the road.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop when I see the sign?
No, the sign does not automatically require you to stop. However, you must be ready to stop if a queue, roadblocks, people in the road or traffic directions make it necessary.
Is there a specific speed limit at the sign?
No, the sign does not set a specific speed limit. You must reduce your speed as much as necessary to pass safely and be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
What should I do if the police give a signal that conflicts with a sign or traffic light?
You must follow the police officer's instruction. Instructions from the police take precedence over traffic lights, signs and ordinary traffic rules.
Can I stop to look at or photograph the accident?
No, not if stopping is unnecessary or obstructs traffic and rescue work. Keep your attention on driving and pass calmly when possible.
Practise for the theory test
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