Emergency Numbers for Drivers Worldwide

In an emergency on a foreign road, the last thing you want to be doing is searching your phone for a country code and the right number to call. Knowing the emergency numbers before you travel — and having them written down, not just saved in your phone — is a basic but potentially life-saving preparation. This guide covers the essential numbers for drivers in every major region.

The Universal Emergency Number — 112

The number 112 is the standard emergency number across all 27 EU member states and works in Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and many other countries. When you call 112 in Europe, you are connected to a local emergency dispatch centre that can coordinate police, ambulance, and fire services.

Key facts about 112:

• Works even with no SIM card inserted in GSM phones
• Works even when you have no signal on your own network (other operators’ towers may still connect the call)
• Callers can be located by cell tower triangulation even without GPS
• Operators are often multilingual or can connect an interpreter
• Calls are free from any phone

Outside Europe, 112 is also active in many countries including India, South Africa, Russia, and several Latin American nations, though coverage is inconsistent. Always verify the local emergency number for each country you visit.

Regional Emergency Numbers by Country

Europe

North America

Mexico adopted the unified 911 system nationally in 2017. In remote areas, coverage may be limited; local municipal numbers vary.

Asia-Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Breakdown and Roadside Assistance Numbers

Breakdown cover is separate from emergency services. Key international breakdown contacts:

If you have UK breakdown cover:

• AA International: +44 800 072 3279
• RAC International: +44 800 550 550
• Green Flag International: +44 1603 669 807

Major European automobile clubs:

• ADAC (Germany): +49 89 2222 2222
• ACI (Italy): +39 116 (or +39 02 2625 1)
• RACE (Spain): +34 900 100 992
• ANWB (Netherlands): +31 88 269 2222
• TCS (Switzerland): +41 44 628 88 99
• ÖAMTC (Austria): +43 1 25 120

Outside Europe, ask your rental company for their local roadside assistance number when you collect the car. This is one of the most useful pieces of information they can give you.

What to Do at the Scene of an Accident

1. Ensure safety first. Turn on hazard lights, move clear of the carriageway if possible, and set up a warning triangle at least 50 metres behind the vehicle (150 metres on motorways).
2. Call emergency services. Use the appropriate number above. Give your exact location — use a GPS app, road number and km marker, or describe nearby landmarks.
3. Do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic). Moving someone with a spinal injury incorrectly can cause permanent damage.
4. Exchange details. Collect the name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, and insurance details of every other driver involved.
5. Photograph everything. Vehicle positions, damage, road markings, weather conditions, any relevant signs.
6. Contact your insurer. Report the accident as soon as possible, even if you were not at fault. Many insurance policies require prompt notification.

Saving Numbers Before You Travel

Before every international trip, create a note in your phone (and write a physical card for the glovebox) containing:

• Local emergency number(s) for each country on your route
• Your breakdown cover provider’s international number
• Your insurer’s emergency/claims number
• Your travel insurer’s 24-hour assistance number
• The address of your accommodation for each night

The 30 seconds this preparation takes could save many stressful minutes in an actual emergency.

Related Resources

Explore more guides and tools on TyreMap.com:

• driving in France
• driving in Japan
• Travel Checklist tool