What is a recommended action if a vehicle carrying pesticides crashes and the driver is not injured?

• A. Get the driver out of the vehicle
• B. Move pesticides from wreckage into open air
• C. Start the engine to ventilate fumes
• D. Ignore potential exposure

Answer: (A)

Protecting people from pesticide exposure after a crash is the top priority. Getting the driver out of the vehicle puts them into fresh air and away from any leaking or volatilizing pesticides, reducing inhalation and skin contact and allowing a quick check for symptoms. Once in safe, outdoor air, responders can assess and treat any exposure and coordinate proper cleanup.

Do not move pesticide from wreckage into open air yourself, as that can spread contamination. Do not start the engine to ventilate, since running the engine can disperse fumes unpredictably and may create an ignition risk. Do not ignore potential exposure—the driver or bystanders could be affected even if there are no immediate injuries.