How you respond in the first minutes after a collision can save lives — including your own. Swedish law imposes specific obligations on all drivers involved in or witnessing a collision.
Immediate Steps
1. Stop — you are legally required to stop at the scene. Leaving is a criminal offence (smitning). 2. Secure the scene — switch on hazard lights, apply the handbrake, and place a warning triangle at least 50–100 metres behind the vehicle (more on motorways). Put on a high-visibility vest. 3. Check for injuries — approach carefully; do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger (fire, flooding). 4. Call 112 — for any injury, fire, or hazard to other road users. Give your location, number of vehicles, and whether anyone is injured. 5. Exchange details — name, address, registration number, and insurance company with the other driver.
Legal Obligations
Even in a minor collision with no injury, you must stop and provide your details to the other party. If the other vehicle is unoccupied (e.g. parked), leave your details and report to the police.
Exam tip: Failing to stop after a collision (smitning) is a criminal offence in Sweden, even in very minor incidents. Always stop.