Accidents at the Ring are frequent, so the chances are that any regular visitor is going to either witness one or come across one that's just happened.

The big danger with a crash on the Ring, given all the high-speed blind bends and crests, is that either the crashed vehicle itself or someone who has stopped to help will then be hit by someone else (see my write-up of trip 6 for a description of one such accident). Please read these brief notes to help avoid that.

The first safety rule is don't stop unless you need to. The less chaos at the scene, the lower the chances of a follow-on crash. There are only two reasons to stop: to warn following traffic when a crash-scene isn't visible on approach, or to administer first-aid when someone is in urgent need.

If you need to stop, please do so with great care. Make sure you are past the accident and on the grass - never stop on the track itself unless totally unavoidable.

The first person to arrive should warn other traffic. Walk carefully back down the grass, making sure you are well clear of the track in case you cause another accident as people swerve to avoid you. Once in position, get behind the armco. Wave to traffic to slow it down (carrying a yellow flag or jacket is a good idea). Make sure you are well back from the accident, however: waving too vigorously too close to the crash could make matters worse by distracting drivers just when they need to be looking ahead.

The second person should call for help. The phone number of the office at the Start / Finish point is +49-2691-302215. (You'll need a mobile - the trackside huts are locked during public sessions.)

Most of the marshals speak little or no English, so some useful German phrases follow. All spelt as they sound, not as they are written, and you can click the links to hear them spoken:

Accident = Unfarl

Ambulance = Krankenvargen

Seriously hurt = Schver verletzt

Helicopter will be understood in English

Not hurt = Nicked verletzt

The third person to arrive goes to the aid of the casualty IF you can do so safely. If in doubt, get behind the armco and wait until the safety car arrives. Please don't risk being hit yourself.