Tips on what to do if you are involved in a road collision

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

Being involved in a road traffic collision can be a scary and traumatic experience.

It can often leave a driver hurt or shaken, and you can go into a state of shock and not be fully aware of what’s happened.

Advice on what to do after a road collision – Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

Road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is offering tips from Britain’s top advanced driver and IAM Chief Examiner, Peter Rodger, on what to do following a collision.

Mr Rodger suggests:

• If you have the option, stop your vehicle where it is safe.
• Turn the engine off and put your hazard lights on (if appropriate).
• Check that you are unharmed first, and then check any other people.
• If you need the emergency services, dial 999 (112 will also work from a mobile if you are used to that) and explain the position to the operator.
• Stay calm. Be careful about your own safety – it’s easy to be focused on your collision, and to forget there is still other traffic about.
• You must swap some details with any other driver(s) who are involved in the accident – unless that isn’t possible due to injury, or because they have driven away. Give your name, address and registration number, and the name and address of the owner of the vehicle. You should get these details from the other driver(s) also.
• If you don’t, you must report the accident to the police straight away – this must be within 24 hours.
• If someone is injured, or if there is damage to any vehicle involved, ensure you also exchange insurance details.
• Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as you can.
• Get the contact details of any witnesses, and take photos of the scene and any damage to the vehicle(s).
• Note carefully how many people are in the other vehicle(s).

Advice on what to do after a road collision – Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

Mr Rodger added: “Nobody wants to think about the possibility of being involved in a crash. It’s not a nice thought, but it happens. Knowing what you must do can make things far easier and less stressful afterwards.”

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