Road accidents & car crashes in Switzerland

If you are ever involved in a car crash or road or traffic accident when driving in Switzerland, it is important to know what to do, how to react and who to call. 

What safety equipment do I need in my car?

The Swiss government requires all drivers to have a warning triangle in their car, should you have an accident or break down. It needs to be in the main body of your car, not in the boot, so it's easily accessible. 

Although not mandatory, it is also recommended to carry:

• A first aid kit
• A fire extinguisher 
• A yellow fluorescent vest

Some car manufacturers include these items as standard. If you have a first aid kit, be sure to check the use-by-date of any medication.

What to do if you are involved in a car crash in Switzerland

Anyone involved in a car crash in Switzerland is legally required to stop immediately and secure the site of the accident if possible. Anyone who does not stop after being involved in an accident where people have been injured risks being prosecuted.

Following an accident, drivers should stop, put on their hazard warning lights and assess the situation, before taking the following steps:

1. Place a warning triangle at least 50 metres from the site of the accident, or at least 100 metres away on motorways
2. Move any injured people clear of the accident site, if this can be done safely, and administer first aid if needed
3. Call the emergency services 
4. Wait at the site of the accident with everyone involved, if it is safe to do so

Numbers to call in case of road accident

If you are involved in a road accident, you should call 117 to reach the police. Try to give the police as many details as possible, including your precise location, number of vehicles involved, the type of vehicles and the number of people involved (including any injured).

Other emergency numbers you can call are the ambulance service on 144 and the fire brigade on 118, should they be required.

Reporting a car crash in Switzerland

After a car crash, you should immediately report any damage to whoever provides your car insurance, and your employer if you are driving as part of your work. In certain situations, your employer will cover certain costs through your accident and occupational diseases insurance.

For physical injury to passengers, children, pensioners and unemployed persons are covered by their health insurance. Anyone receiving unemployment benefits is automatically covered by SUVA, the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund.

How do I call roadside assistance?

If you are involved in an accident, you may need to call roadside assistance if you cannot drive your vehicle. This service is sometimes included with your regular car insurance, but standalone roadside assistance policies can also be purchased separately.

The company that provides your roadside assistance cover will have a number to call if you are in need of assistance. 

If you don't have roadside assistance, you can call the emergency breakdown service on 140, or you can use the emergency phone booths that are placed at regular intervals on Swiss motorways.

Car accident in a tunnel in Switzerland

If you have an accident in a tunnel in Switzerland, it is important to follow the safety instructions. If you have broken down, attempt to stop in a lay-by, if possible.

Make your way to the nearest evacuation exit. These exits are marked by green signs at waist level on the side of the tunnel, which will tell you which direction you should take to find the nearest exit.