At a crash scene

Key points

1. Do not stop at a crash scene unless you are involved or can render assistance.

   Source: PDF page 84

   “Do not stop at a crash scene unless you are involved or can render assistance. Unnecessary stopping creates additional hazards at the scene.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 84

2. If you hit an unattended vehicle, try to find the owner, or leave a written notice with your name, address and license plate number.

   Source: PDF page 84

   “If you strike an unattended vehicle, try to locate the owner. If that is not possible, leave a written notice containing your name, address, license plate number”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 84

3. Anyone who in good faith gives free emergency care at a crash scene is not liable for civil damages.

   Source: PDF page 84

   “No one, including those licensed to practice medicine or dentistry, who in good faith gives emergency care at the scene of a crash, without pay, is liable for any civil damages”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 84

4. Keep an injured victim lying down and comfortable.

   Source: PDF page 83

   “Keep the victim lying down and comfortable.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 83

5. If you are involved in a crash in heavy fog, get your vehicle as far off the road as possible.

   Source: PDF page 70

   “If you are involved in a crash in heavy fog, try to get your vehicle off the road as far as possible.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 70

3 questions from the West Virginia practice test

1. 1. When should a driver stop at a crash scene?

   1. Only when a crowd has already gathered
   2. Whenever traffic behind the driver is moving slowly
   3. When involved in the crash or able to render assistance
   4. Any time the driver wants to inspect the vehicles
   Show answer

   When involved in the crash or able to render assistance. Stopping is appropriate when you are involved or can provide assistance. Unnecessary stopping adds vehicles and people to an already dangerous location, which can contribute to another collision. A slow queue, a crowd, or curiosity is not enough by itself. If you do stop to help, place the vehicle safely, alert emergency services as appropriate, and avoid creating a new obstruction. The safest response is useful assistance, not an unplanned inspection from the travel lane.

2. 2. If a train is approaching while your vehicle is stalled on railroad tracks, what should you do?

   1. Remain in the vehicle and call for help
   2. Wait until the train is close before leaving
   3. Try to push the vehicle clear while staying beside it
   4. Get out and move to a safe location
   Show answer

   Get out and move to a safe location. A stalled vehicle on railroad tracks creates an immediate danger because a train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid it. The handbook directs the driver to look both ways and, when a train is coming, leave the vehicle and proceed to a safe location. Remaining inside offers little protection, and trying to push the car wastes time while keeping you near the track. Do not wait for the locomotive to approach. The practical cue is to abandon the vehicle promptly, move away from the tracks, and contact the appropriate emergency authorities from safety.

3. 3. When a vehicle begins to skid, which steering response does the West Virginia handbook recommend?

   1. Accelerate until the tires regain grip
   2. Brake hard and hold the wheel straight
   3. Turn sharply opposite the skid
   4. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid
   Show answer

   Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. During a skid, the handbook says to stay calm, take your foot off the gas, and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If the rear moves right, steer right, then straighten the wheels as control returns. Hard braking can worsen the loss of control, and turning sharply the other way can produce an overcorrection. Acceleration does not restore traction. A useful cue is to look where you want the vehicle to travel, ease off the accelerator, and make smooth steering corrections until the car is stable.

Source: the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Chapter IX: Emergency Situations. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.