What is the first step you should take after an accident to ensure safety?

After an accident, the priority should always be ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Checking for injuries is the most immediate concern because it addresses the well-being of all parties. If someone is injured, immediate action is required, such as calling for medical assistance and providing first aid if you are trained to do so.

While activating hazard lights is important for alerting other drivers and preventing further accidents, and contacting emergency services is critical for getting help, those actions come after ensuring that everyone involved is safe and accounted for. Assessing vehicle damage is also secondary to checking for injuries, as it does not impact immediate safety. Thus, prioritizing the health and safety of individuals directly involved in the accident is the most responsible and necessary first step.