Brake! What to do if you get into an accident

You have just finished your note cards for your critical research paper. Good thing you have, because it’s 4:20, and your book on Madame Bovary is due at the library today. You hop in the car, put on your seatbelt and pull out of the driveway. You are almost at the Willow Glen Library, so you put on your left signal and prepare to make a turn into the parking lot. Scanning the traffic, you begin your turn. Crash! You are jolted forward and your seatbelt locks. Panicking, you realize that you have been rear-ended by another car.

Statistics have shown that drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are more likely to be in a traffic accident than any other age group. After passing the driver permit test or getting a license, many teens forget some of the laws and regulations associated with driving. Many people assume that they will not get into a car accident because they are careful drivers. However, there is never a guarantee that a driver will not be in an accident just because he or she is careful. If you get in a car accident, it is important to remain calm, stay safe and use common sense.

If you hit another car or are hit while you are driving, pull over to the right hand side of the road. Take a moment to make sure that you are not injured, and then make sure no one else has been hurt. If someone is injured, make sure to get help. Call for assistance if you have to, and don’t be worried that the accident will go on your record. Your record is important, but not as important as someone’s safety or life. The worst thing to do is to ignore the accident and try to drive away. Charges for a hit and run accident are much more severe than pulling over and taking responsibility.

Once you have pulled over and assessed safety and damaged property, you must exchange your information with the other driver. This includes your driver license, registration card, evidence of financial responsibility, and address. Make sure you also get the other driver’s information, and don’t be afraid to ask for it. If you are in an accident and aren’t sure what to do, it is okay to call highway patrol to come and help. They can file a report on the accident, and may cite the driver at fault.

You may not be sure what the registration card is or how to show evidence of financial responsibility. These terms refer to the registration card for your car and your insurance policy information. These documents should be kept in the glove compartment of your car or somewhere you will have easy access to them should you get in an accident. Make sure you know what these look like. If you aren’t sure, talk to your parents about the information for your car and where it is kept.

It is important to report the accident to the police or to the California Highway Patrol. Be sure to do this sooner rather than later. If the accident is a more serious one and someone is injured or even dies, the accident needs to be reported within 24 hours. Accidents which involve death, injury, or property damage exceeding $750 are supposed to be reported to the DMV within ten days. To report the accident, you, your insurance agent or legal representative must complete an SR-1 form. Make sure you know the place and time of the accident, the other driver’s name, address, date of birth, license information, license plate number, insurance company and policy number, the policy holder’s name, the vehicle owner’s name, and any injuries or property damage occurred. To help remember everything, it may be a good idea to have a checklist with you in the car, or, when in doubt, call the police. After all, they are going to try to help you and the other driver, not try to get you in trouble.

If you damage a parked car, leave your name and address secured to the car. If any animals are involved, pull over and try to find the owner. The most important thing to remember is to use common sense and be safe. Take responsibility, and be careful when you are driving.

So the next time you get into an accident when you are on your way to the library, take a deep breath, pull over, be smart and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And then you can cry.