Handling Multi-Car Incidents Involving SG Plates: Documentation and Safety | MyMechanic

Stabilise the scene safely

• Stop, hazards on, check for injuries. Don’t stand between vehicles or near live lanes; move to the shoulder if instructed and safe, otherwise leave vehicles in place and set a triangle before bends or crests.
• Keep passengers and bags on the safe side; at night or in poor visibility, use reflective wear or a headlamp pointed down.

Use neutral words only

• Avoid admissions or blame; say: “Travelling at [approx speed], lane [number], vehicle ahead slowed/stopped. Impact at [front/rear/side].”
• If pressed for blame or cash: “Let’s document and exchange details first. Will follow the proper process.” Keep voices calm and stick to facts.

• Full name and mobile number.
• Vehicle plate, make/model, colour.
• Insurer and basic policy identifier (or insurer name noted).
• Intended destination if towing and tow operator contact (if fixed).
• Tip: Photograph cards/IDs only with consent; if declined, note details and photograph plates and vehicles.

• Scene overview: wide shots showing all vehicles, lane markings, and traffic direction.
• Each vehicle: front, rear, both sides, plus close‑ups of damaged points with plates visible.
• Road context: skid marks, debris, fluid trails, potholes, barriers, signage, weather.
• Inside cluster: dashboard warnings, odometer, and fuel level for the SG car.
• Brief narrated walkthrough: one slow video describing positions and direction of travel; keep factual and under a minute.

• Timestamped photos and short notes: time, lane, direction, nearest landmark/KM marker.
• A simple contact sheet listing all involved plates and phone numbers.
• If towing: photo of tow truck plate, job card with destination, loading method (wheel straps/flatbed), and signatures.

When to avoid moving vehicles

• If injuries, significant leaks, locked wheels, or structural damage that could worsen if moved.
• Complex multi‑impact scene where final positions matter for sequence reconstruction.
• If directed by authorities or unsafe to remain, record positions thoroughly before moving.

Health and wellbeing first

• Check for delayed symptoms: dizziness, neck/back pain, shortness of breath; document visible bruises or cuts.
• Keep hydrated; avoid strenuous activity while adrenaline is high; sit and breathe to steady nerves.

Towing and custody clarity

• Confirm who dispatched the tow, destination (authorised or nearest suitable), and inclusions (loading method, storage if after‑hours).
• Photograph the completed job card and tow truck plate before handover; keep keys on a lanyard with a contact card.

Clean scripts that keep things calm

• To drivers: “Let’s exchange details and photograph each car and the scene. I’ll keep everything factual.”
• To assistance: “Multi‑car incident, [lane], [direction], near [landmark/KM]. SG plate [____], [make/model], [colour]. No/Minor injuries. Vehicles in place/off to shoulder.”
• To tow: “Please confirm destination, loading method, and job card details by message. I will photograph the setup and job card before handover.”

What to file and when

• As soon as practical: prepare an incident summary with photos in chronological folders (Scene, Vehicles, Context, Documents).
• Keep copies of on‑scene notes and exchanged contacts; store media in two places (device + cloud/USB).

• Evidence‑first coordination: guidance on photos, scripts, and a quick checklist so insurance is smoother later.
• Exact‑location dispatch: prompts for landmark/KM marker, lane, and direction to find the right shoulder quickly.
• End‑to‑end updates: from safe stabilisation to towing and workshop handover with documentation at each step.

Frequently Asked Questions