Motoring – In Case Of An Accident...

When you get into the driver’s seat of your car, commitment to responsible and careful driving should be front of mind

Despite the lockdown, or maybe because of it, people are yearning to hit the road and feel the breeze again. But, while most of us drive with care and consideration for those we share the road with, being aware of what’s happening outside and around your car could save you and your passengers from an accident. Defensive driving, as it is known, means you’re watching the cars, trucks, buses and taxis around you, and anticipating what each may or may not do that could cause a mishap and, at the same time, keeping your own car clear of danger. Even with the utmost care and skill, accidents still happen, either to or unintentionally by you. Whatever the cause of the accident, it is important to know what to do in such an event.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

So, it happens to you – you’re in a fender bender and the owner of the car you’ve just hit is in your face. You’re in shock and disorientated. What do you do?

1. Look for injuries and the extent to which you or your passengers may be injured. Do not move anyone who is injured as this could cause more damage. Wait for the paramedics to arrive and assess the situation.

2. If you and your car are still mobile, try to get out of harm’s way, either to the shoulder of the road or beyond. Before you do, take a picture of the car – you might need it later.

3. Regardless of how everything happened, do not admit or promise anything to anyone. You will most likely be shaken from your ordeal and not thinking 100% straight. A handy tip is to keep a list in your car’s cubbyhole of things you will need to know in the unfortunate event of an accident, as you will forget what to do or where to start in the chaos of the moment. It should include questions like: who the other driver is, the contact details of eyewitnesses, date and time, full names of everyone at the scene, their phone and ID numbers plus addresses. Write down the type of car, colour and registration number as well as insurance company details.

4. Call your insurance company – they are trained, and will guide you through every aspect of what they require.

5. Report the accident. This is critically important, whether or not the police are at the accident scene. Go to the nearest police station within 24 hours and report the incident. A docket will be opened, and you’ll be expected to narrate exactly what happened. Afterwards, request a case number. This may only be sent to you later via SMS, depending on the time of day and the set-up at each police station. Your insurance company will require this number as well as all the pictures you took at the scene, and information you’ve collected and included in your statement.

6. A traffic officer cannot open a docket for you; they are there to manage the road. They can assist in clearing the scene and calling any emergency services required, but that’s where their responsibility ends.

7. If your car is not drivable, only allow a tow truck company associated with your insurance company to haul it away. If you don’t know it, check today – before you need it. Remember that your accident may happen at 3am when no one’s there to take your call. Some insurers will supply you with stickers for your car, with all the necessary info. Do not put the sticker on your front or rear windscreen as these are almost always the first to smash in an accident. Rather, place your sticker on one of the smaller rear-side windows.

8. If your vehicle is not insured and it turns out that you are responsible for the accident, you will be liable to pay. Not only for the damage to the affected driver’s car, but potentially also their immediate medical and recovery expenses. When selecting an insurance company to sign up with, make sure it covers you and everyone affected by the accident.

9. The Road Accident Fund offers indemnity insurance to those who cause accidents, as well as personal injury and death insurance to victims of motor vehicle accidents and their families.