Although you never plan on having a collision, it is a possibility all drivers face on the road, and you must be prepared to deal with the aftermath if you are ever involved in one. Whether it is a vehicle-on-vehicle, vehicle-on-pedestrian, or any other form of collisions, it is necessary to stay at the scene until all protocols are followed.

It is a serious criminal offense to leave the scene of a crash that you are involved in, sometimes referred to as a “hit and run” when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian and flees. You will be found by police and face severe punishment if you abandon a collision scene. Always find a safe place to pull your vehicle over (if your vehicle is still drivable) before proceeding with the next steps in resolving the situation.

If there is a medical emergency or police should be present, immediately call 911 when it is safe to do so. The sooner emergency services are contacted, the sooner they will arrive. If anyone is unconscious or unresponsive, speak to the emergency operator for advice on how to deal with the situation while help is on the way.

Anyone involved in a collision should share their information with each other, especially if it is a vehicles-only incident. Important things to exchange include names, addresses, telephone numbers, licence plates, driver’s licence numbers, insurance company names and insurance plan numbers. By collecting this information in advance, it will be easier to navigate the next steps, including insurance claims, after the collision scene is cleared.

While nobody ever wants to be involved in a collision, it can happen to any driver at any time, especially if distracted or impaired drivers are involved, or there is severe weather in the area. Always remember to stay at the scene of the collision, contact emergency services if needed, and exchange important information. Never leave the scene before it is finished being dealt with, or you will face hefty fines, a permanent criminal record and possible jail time.