According to the National Safety Council, approximately one in eight drivers will be in an auto accident this year. Following are several suggestions to help prevent injury, save time and money and minimize the stress involved in a car crash.
You should stay calm. Avoid tendencies toward road rage and stay calm if you encounter another driver who is behaving irrationally. When these situations escalate, they can often lead to dangerous driving and crashes. In addition, you must always protect yourself. Be alert to traffic scams that seem like accidents, such as when Predatory criminals do this to get the driver to exit the car and then either rob the driver driving on a lightly traveled road, particularly at night, and being tapped from behind. or steal the car. If you are suspicious of the circumstances, stay in your vehicle and drive to a police station or heavily populated area for assistance.
Always Stop! If you are in an accident do not leave the scene until you have spoken with the other driver or the police. Take steps to prevent further accidents. If practical, move the car and all passengers safely to the side of the road, preferably to the right shoulder. If functioning, turn your emergency flashing lights on and, if available, set out a flare on the road for nighttime accidents.
Call the police from the scene or ask someone to call for you. It is usually best to have the police address any traffic infractions, assist with injuries and memorialize the occurrence for the record. Request medical assistance if needed. If you or others are bleeding, feel light-headed or are suffering any physical injury, always err on the side of calling for assistance. Unless trained in emergency medical assistance, do not attempt to move injured persons or perform medical procedures yourself.
Write down pertinent information such as the other driver’s name, address, telephone number, licenses plate and driver’s license number and the time of the accident. Note the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses, the badge number of any police officers and where to obtain a copy of a police report and any other pertinent information about the scene, such as exact location, the issuance of any tickets by the police, and recollections about your vehicle’s handling or mechanical functioning just prior to the accident.
