Street
Smarts
Teens
and accidents
If your teen got into a car
accident, would he or she know what to do?
The
folks at "I Promise Program" issued this
advice every driver can benefit from:
· After an impact, stay calm and
assess the situation. Check on your passengers. Scan the area for hazards to
yourself or others.
· If someone is injured, administer
first aid if you are qualified and it is safe to do so, or call 911. To reduce
shock in serious injuries, open a window to let in fresh air.
· Remove your vehicle from the
traffic lane if safe to do so.
· Set up flares or any other
signaling device to warn other motorists of the road hazard.
· If the accident occurred in a
high-traffic area, remain in the vehicle with your seat belt on. If your car is
inoperable and it is safe to leave it, move away from the vehicle and the road.
· Do not discuss liability with the
other driver. Such a discussion can lead to arguments and escalate the danger
level. Instead, simply exchange information, such as license plate numbers,
insurers, policy numbers, phone numbers and addresses. Also, obtain information
from witnesses.
· Cooperate with
police and other emergency personnel.
· Call your parents or other
family member and tell them of your situation.
The
program issued this advice after considering statistics from the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which reported that 1.7 million teen
driver crashes occurred in 2000. Of those, 7,600 teens died and 569,000 others
were injured.
For
information, visit www.ipromiseprogram.com.
I Promise Program inc.
20
(905) 628-4847
gary123@sympatico.ca
www.ipromiseprogram.com