The days are short. The air is cold. And, roads are often slick with rain, snow or ice.
It’s winter driving season in RVA. And, while most people know what to do to try to avoid an accident, many don’t know what to do after one. It’s vital knowledge to have, because the aftermath of a crash can be just as dangerous as the crash itself — especially when it’s cold and snowy.
Here are five things to do (or not do) if you’re in an accident this winter to help keep yourself and others safe:
- Make sure
everyone’s OK — then get off the road if you can. The safety of
everyone involved in a crash is the first concern, of course. So, check on the
occupants of each vehicle and call for emergency assistance if it’s needed.
Then, if the vehicles are drivable, get them off the road as soon – and as
carefully – as possible.
- Stay in
your car if you can’t safely move away. If you can’t get your car off the road, but you can get off the road, wait until
there’s no traffic around and then move well out of the way. Otherwise, stay in
the car so you’re protected from other vehicles.
- Stay
visible — and warm. Turn on your hazard lights and put up road flares so other vehicles know
something is wrong. And, grab your vehicle emergency kit (you have one, right?)
for blankets and extra clothing. If you’ve run off the road and you’re still in
your car, make sure nothing is blocking your exhaust pipe. Otherwise carbon
monoxide may build up.
- If you’re
stranded, stay put. Running off the road in a remote area is scary, but resist the urge to
try to walk for help. You risk getting lost, especially during a storm, if you
set off on foot.
- See a crash? Don’t always stop to help. Being a Good Samaritan could cause more problems than it solves. So, if those involved aren’t in immediate danger, call 911 and let the professionals help with medical aid and traffic control.
It’s not always easy, but keeping a cool head after an accident will do more than help everyone get through a stressful situation — it will help keep everyone safer, too.
And, remember, if something does happen on the road this winter, your Knight Magee Insurance agent is here to help with your auto accident claim. If you’re unsure whether you’re carrying the right coverage, call now 804-320-0129 before it’s too late!