The National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters
November 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