The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) has urged the public to refrain from unnecessarily crowding up crash scenes as it could lead to more injuries. In a statement issued on Friday the MVA also pleaded with members of the public to refrain from looting accident scenes. The MVA Fund says the looting by members of the public, of vehicles involved in accidents, is both irresponsible and risky and exposes the culprits to various calamities. Crowds of people surrounding accident scenes may lead to the distorting of evidence and hinder medical personnel in their accessing the scene. The fund condemns inappropriate behaviour at crash sites, calling on citizens to treat such scenes with utmost respect and sensitivity for those involved, injured or affected. Any decision to stop at the scene of an accident should be done from a safe distance, and whilst ensuring that hazard lights are turned on. Assisting motorists should also place warning triangles at a fair distance to warn other road users. Where possible, helpers should switch off the ignition of cars found involved in an accident, to reduce the risk of fire. Finally, utmost care should be taken to avoid oncoming traffic, dangerous animals, or hostile bystanders.