Breakdowns and incidents: Incidents involving dangerous goods

Rule 284

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages will be marked with plain orange reflective plates. Road tankers and vehicles carrying tank containers of dangerous goods will have hazard warning plates (see ‘Vehicle markings’).

Rule 285

If an incident involves a vehicle containing dangerous goods, follow the advice in Rule 283 and, in particular:

• switch off engines and DO NOT SMOKE
• keep well away from the vehicle and do not be tempted to try to rescue casualties as you yourself could become one
• call the emergency services and give as much information as possible about the labels and markings on the vehicle. DO NOT use a mobile phone close to a vehicle carrying flammable loads.