Mummy has to take us everywhere in the car as we live in the countryside and there is very little public transport. The more time Mummy spends on the road, the more risk there is of an accident. We have some great tips to help if you should be unfortunate enough to have an accident, and how to make sure your car and passengers are as safe as can be.
Firstly, make sure everyone always, always wears a seat belt and that children have the right car seat for their age, height and weight.
Have your car serviced and check the tyres and brakes regularly. Places like ATS Euromaster can check free for you.
If you have any warning lights come on, or there are any new strange noises get them checked out straight away.
What to do if you have a car accident:
*You must stop, however minor you think a car accident is. Failing to do so is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours. If you don’t you could receive a fine, penalty points or even be disqualified.
*Switch off your car’s engine and switch on your hazard lights on to alert other road users
*Call 999 or 101. If anyone has been injured in the accident you should also call an ambulance if necessary immediately. Call 999 straightaway if someone leaves the scene of the car accident without giving their details.
*The police should also be called if the car accident is blocking the road or if you suspect you’re a victim of a ‘crash for cash’ scam, where a driver deliberately causes an accident to make a fraudulent insurance claim. A dash cam can help you avoid falling victim to crash for cash scams.
*If you are involved in a car accident you’re obliged to give your name and address to anyone else involved.
*Avoid saying sorry or accepting blame for the accident until you know precisely what happened as it could go against you later on.
*If possible, you should collect names, addresses and contact details from any drivers, passengers and witnesses.
There are some other important details you should try to collect at the scene of the car accident:
*The registration numbers of all vehicles involved, and each vehicle’s colour, make and model.
*The time and date of the crash.
*A sketch showing the positions of the vehicles involved.
*A description of the weather conditions, and anything unusual you notice about the road quality or lighting.
*A list of the damage to vehicles and a description of any injuries sustained by pedestrians, drivers and passengers. You may find it useful to take photos of the car accident for use as evidence.
Hopefully you will never be involved in a car accident, but these tips are good to remember.
March 21, 2017 at 9:31 am
Certainly are good to remember -a traumatic time that can linger for years after the event
March 21, 2017 at 11:12 am
Fingers crossed I never have to use this advice but it’s very comprehensive. I was once in a little accident on the way to an exam and I couldn’t believe how stiff and sore my neck was afterwards. It’s all the insurance hassle afterwards that really wound me up. Such an upsetting experience.
March 21, 2017 at 11:32 am
Some good advice. Even if you are careful there are others who aren’t and weather conditions can play a part too.
Erica Price recently posted…What Would Be On Your Mum’s List?
March 21, 2017 at 12:24 pm
This was really useful I wouldn’t have thought about the sketching part. This is a massive fear of mine!
March 21, 2017 at 12:41 pm
A very useful post, it’s always important to note down any information you may need like number plates and contact details (especially of witnesses), and taking a few photos can also be useful x
Rhian Westbury recently posted…Sunshine Holidays: Dreaming Of Dubrovnik
March 21, 2017 at 10:23 pm
Such important tips! I had an old man drive really hard into the back of my car when I was waiting at the traffic lights – both kids where in the car and it was a real thud and they both got a fright. It didn’t damage the car but he drove off even though I got out the car! Couldn’t believe it
Laura x
March 21, 2017 at 10:24 pm
Excellent set of reminders, thank you.
March 21, 2017 at 10:42 pm
Great tips, so much to think about
March 22, 2017 at 1:31 am
Some very good useful tips for everyone here! I would love a dash cam, I just don’t have the funds at the moment! :/
ERFmama recently posted…A Disabled Airbag May Go Off – Debunking Myths #1
March 22, 2017 at 7:56 am
Some great advice – accidents are a time when we certainly wouldn’t be thinking straight in the aftermath, so having read something like will stick in your mind!
Tracy recently posted…How to Grow Your Own Chilli Peppers Indoors (a guest post)
March 22, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Very good advice. A dash cam is especially helpful in an accident.
Veronica Lee recently posted…The Last Kite Maker
March 22, 2017 at 1:57 pm
Some great advice here! I’ve never had a major accident, just little bumps, but a dash cam would always come in handy! x
March 22, 2017 at 2:03 pm
This is some great advice! Who would be stupid enough to do ‘crash for cash’!?? I’ve never heard of that.
Sarah recently posted…DIY Lavender & Oat Body Wash
March 27, 2017 at 8:24 pm
Hopefully I will never need it but great reminders thanks.
April 13, 2017 at 6:27 am
Useful points. These tips will be helpful if I have a car accident. I will remember this.
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