Newsletter
Nov. 2002
In case of crash...
Do teens know what to do in case of a crash? Do you?
by
Does your teen know what
to do in the event of a car crash? Do you?
According the US National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were 1.7 million teen driver
car crashes in year 2000. Of those crashes, they resulted in 7,600 teen deaths
and 569,000 teen injuries. In
Given the number of teens
involved in car crashes, it is imperative that they know what to do in the event
of a crash. To this end, the I Promise Program - teen safe driving initiative
(www.ipromiseprogram.com), requested input from law enforcement agencies and
officers to develop a list of just what teens (and all other motorists) should
do in the event of a collision.
"Even though we promote
teen driver safety, we recognize that teens will still be involved in collisions,"
says
Parents are advised to contact their local law enforcement agency concerning
specific laws in their area while the following forms general guidelines of
what to do in the event of a crash:
1. After impact and the
car has come to a full stop, remain calm and assess
the situation. Look at yourself and passengers to determine if there are any
injuries. Look out at the other vehicle and roadway to determine if there is
a risk to yourself or others.
2. In the event of an injury,
render life saving first aid if you are qualified to do so and if it is safe
to do so. At the same time, or as soon as possible, you or a bystander should
call
3. Some jurisdictions require
you by law to move your vehicle off the traveled portion of the roadway as part
of a "quick clearance policy" while others prefer for the vehicle
to be left in place to review as part of the investigation,
as long as it is safe to do so. Check with your local law enforcement office
on this matter in advance. However, safety considerations and good judgment
will remain important in determining whether or not
to move the vehicle in any given situation. Safety considerations should prevail.
4. Set up road flares or
other emergency signaling device to alert other drivers of the road hazard.
Take caution however with road flares in the event of gas spills and leaking
fuel tanks. Flares should be set up a safe distance from the vehicle and many
law enforcement agencies recommend setting up "red reflective triangles"
instead of using flares. Another motorist or bystander can stand at the side
of the roadway and caution other motorists to slow down, coming upon the scene.
5. If you are in a high
traffic area and it is not safe to leave the vehicle, remain in your seat with
your seat belt fastened. If it is safe to leave the vehicle and your vehicle
is un-operational, leave the vehicle and get off the roadway a safe distance
from the traveled portion of the roadway.
6. Once the crash scene
is stabilized, do not discuss fault with the other driver(s).
A discussion of fault with the other driver(s) can lead to arguments, which
in itself can pose a danger given the heightened emotions with the situation
at hand. It is appropriate at this point to exchange information such as license
plate number, insurer, policy number, phone and address. Be sure photo identification
matches the identification holder. It is also appropriate at this point to obtain
similar information from witnesses (a witness being anyone other than who was
in any of the vehicles involved in the crash).
7. Cooperate completely
with law enforcement personnel and
8. Call your parents and
inform them of your situation. Tell them if you require any assistance such
as medical aid or transportation. Assuming the situation is under control and
you are safe, assure them of your safety so that they do not take aggressive
action to meet you at the crash scene or hospital. You may need to tell your
parents to respond in a safe and calm manner as they
will be worried and scared about your well-being.
Many jurisdictions have
specific laws with respect to reportable collisions and collisions involving
highway property. All drivers are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement
agency to learn about the specific laws in their area. Lastly, as the result
of some collisions, you may have to take action in a manner not specified, but
dictated by the situation. Above all, remain calm; assess the situation and
act first with a regard to personal safety and the safety of others. Before
heading out consider placing safety items that should be kept in trunk or rear area for emergencies related
to crashes, i.e., flares, orange cones, disposable camera, heat blanket, pad
and pencil, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.
The I Promise Program (www.ipromiseprogram.com)
recommends all parents sign a parent-youth safe driving contract to reduce the
risk of car crashes. An ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.
This survey was conducted by the I Promise Program - a teen safe driving
initiative that promotes parents as role models by entering into a mutual safe
driving contract with their teen. To provide accountability, a rear window decal
is then affixed to the vehicle. The decal display a toll free number and the question, "Am
I driving safely?" Calls are received by a call center and responses are
sent by letter only back to the family. Youth, parents, community members, police
and interested stakeholders in traffic safety have participated in developing
this program.
Contact Information:
(905) 628-4847 gary123@sympatico.ca
www.ipromiseprogram.com
Related Links:
I Promise Program