CHAPTER SIX

Accidents and Emergency Situations
Among all collisions in Indiana, failure to yield right of way is the most common primary factor. According to the Indiana State Police, over 93 percent of all fatal collisions are listed as having some driver action as the primary factor. Accidents are caused both by a driver’s lack of attention and a driver’s failure to observe the rules of the road.

What To Do After an Accident
Drivers and passengers can be injured anytime, anyplace. That’s why such occurrences are called accidents – an unexpected, unfortunate situation in which one is rarely prepared. Knowing what to do after an accident can make the experience a less frightening one and decrease the chance of unnecessary complications.

• Stop. If you are involved in an accident, you must stop and provide information to others involved in the accident. It is a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident which can result in the suspension of your driving privileges. If the accident results in injury, death, or entrapment, you must also notify law enforcement of the accident.

• Alert other drivers that an accident has occurred. Turn on your emergency signals or use another means to let people know that there has been an accident.

• Move to the shoulder of the road if possible. Indiana law states that drivers involved in crashes that do not result in injury or death should not obstruct traffic more than necessary. Off the roadway or on the shoulder is a much safer place to exchange information or wait for law enforcement to arrive. Your insurance coverage will not be compromised if you move your vehicle to the shoulder.

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What To Do After an Accident (continued)

Provide Proof of Financial Responsibility (Certificate of Compliance) After an accident, you must provide proof to the BMV that automobile liability insurance or other proofs of insurance were in effect on the date of the accident. Ask your insurance provider to electronically send the proof of insurance (Certificate of Compliance) to the BMV on your behalf. These instructions are general guidelines only. Each accident scenario may be different, and there are various responsibilities for different types of accidents. Avoiding Collisions Despite safe driving, emergencies do arise. If it appears that a car will hit something, there are three things you can do, depending on the situation:

• Exchange information with other drivers. If there are no injuries, exchange information such as your name, address, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident. Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident. Write down details regarding the accident, such as the location, weather conditions, and visibility. Write down the names and badge numbers of all police officers at the scene. Ask the investigating officer how to obtain a copy of the police report.

• Do not sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance agent. • Take pictures of the accident scene. Keep a camera in your glove compartment to record the accident or use a cell phone camera.

• Notify your insurance agent immediately. Ask them to electronically file a Certificate of Compliance proving insurance coverage for the date of the accident and the vehicle involved. If the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, death or entrapment is physically incapable of helping other people who were injured or entrapped during the accident or contacting law enforcement about the accident, then passengers in the vehicle who are at least 18 years old, or who are at least 15 years old and hold learner’s permits or driver’s licenses, and who are capable of helping other people or contacting law enforcement should immediately help injured or entrapped people involved in the accident. This assistance should include removing any entrapped passenger from the vehicle in which he or she is trapped, and may include taking injured people from the scene of the accident to a physician or hospital for medical treatment. Capable passengers must also immediately give notice of the accident by the quickest means of communication to the local police department, office of the county sheriff or nearest state police post. In a single-vehicle accident that causes damage to another vehicle or property and the owner is not present, you must leave your name, address, and telephone number on a note where the owner will see it. If the damaged property is in a location where a note would not be easily found, you must notify law enforcement with your name, address, and telephone number.

• Stop quickly. • Turn quickly. If you feel you cannot stop in time, turn your vehicle away from the potential collision.

• Speed up. Accelerating may be the best or only way to avoid a collision.
If a collision looks possible, turn away from oncoming traffic, even if it means leaving the road. Drive, rather than skid, off the road, allowing for more control. Choose to hit something that will give way, such as brush or shrubs, rather than something hard. Hit something going your way rather than something that is not moving. However, it is safer to hit something that is not moving than to hit something head-on. A sideswipe may help you slow down. Driving Off the Pavement If your vehicle’s wheels drift onto the shoulder of the road, do not try to turn back onto the pavement right away which might throw your vehicle off balance. Instead, drive along the shoulder and ease up on the gas pedal. After slowing down, turn back onto the road gradually.

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Plunging Into Water If a vehicle plunges into the water, it will usually float several minutes before sinking, allowing a driver or occupants to escape through an open window, while still on the surface. If your vehicle plunges into water, do not attempt to open a door. The weight of the water will make it nearly impossible to open a door and water will flood the passenger compartment through an open door.

Ways to Spot an Impaired Driver A car can be a lethal weapon when operated by a driver impaired by drugs or alcohol. A driver may be impaired if the vehicle:

• Survive the crash. Use the passenger safety or restraint systems such as seat belts whenever you are driving.

• Remove your seat belt. • Open a window. Even automatic windows will open, unless the impact is so severe that it damages the electrical system.

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Makes wide turns. Straddles the center line or weaves back and forth. Exceeds the speed limit or drives unusually slowly. Comes close to hitting another vehicle or object. Swerves, drifts or follows too closely. Stops for no reason or turns abruptly or illegally. Signals inconsistently or drives at night without headlights.

• Organize passengers in the front seat. Get children out of rear seatbelts and child restraints, asking older children to assist the younger ones. Move passengers to the front seats as calmly as possible.

Vehicle Equipment Failures
Tire Blowout In a situation with a flat tire or blowout, you should hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the car going straight. Slow down gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal but do not apply the brakes. Let the car slow down, pull off the road, and apply the brakes when the car is almost stopped. Brake Failure If your vehicle’s conventional disc or drum brakes suddenly fail, you should shift to a low gear, if possible, and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times. This may build up enough brake pressure to stop your vehicle. You may try to use the parking brake, but hold the brake release so it can be released to avoid skidding if the rear wheels lock. With your vehicle in a low gear, begin looking for a place to stop off the roadway. After your vehicle has stopped, call for help, but do not try to drive anywhere. Ignition Locking Drivers in an emergency situation on the highway should not try to turn off the vehicle while it is still moving. When operating a vehicle with a steering wheel interlock system, never turn the ignition to the lock position while the vehicle is in motion. The steering will lock as the steering wheel is turned, causing a loss of control of the vehicle.

• Exit the vehicle and move to the roof. This will keep you as dry as possible, and even in moving water you can ride the vehicle like a boat for a short time. Once on the roof, call 911, and locate the nearest dry land, which is usually the path the vehicle took to the water.

• Swim for shore only as a last resort. If emergency personnel or other assistance have not arrived by the time your vehicle sinks below the waterline, you may be forced to swim. Many times the water will be shallow enough to keep the roof above water, or just below the surface, allowing you to stand on it indefinitely.

• Never re-enter the vehicle to gather possessions. This will only place you back in harm’s way.

Impaired Driving
The likelihood of an accident increases if a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication or over-the-counter medication that can cause drowsiness and other side effects. Consult the label on any medication or discuss its side effects with a doctor before driving.

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Avoiding Vehicle Theft
By taking the following precautions, your chances of having a vehicle stolen may be reduced:

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide gas from a vehicle engine can harm or kill you or your passengers. Carbon monoxide is most likely to leak into a vehicle when its heater is running, when the exhaust system is not working properly, or in heavy traffic where exhaust fumes are breathed from other vehicles. A faulty exhaust system can leak poisonous fumes into a vehicle’s back seat. You cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include drowsiness or dizziness, a bluish tinge to your skin or lips, a tightened forehead or headache, and increased sensitivity to light. How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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Remove your keys. Always lock your vehicle’s doors. Do not hide a second set of keys in or around the vehicle. Park with your front wheels turned sharply to the right and apply the emergency brake.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. • Consider installing an anti-theft device. • Park in a well-lit, well-patrolled area whenever possible.

Routine Traffic Stops by Law Enforcement
A routine traffic stop can be stressful. However, to law enforcement, it can be dangerous. Law enforcement officers do not know if an individual in a routine stop for a violation is a criminal with intent to harm the officer. Follow these simple rules if you are signaled to pull over by law enforcement:

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Have your vehicle’s exhaust system checked regularly. Be alert for any unusual roar from under the car. Never let your vehicle’s engine run in a closed garage. In congested traffic, close the fresh-air vent. On highways in cold weather, open the fresh-air vent.

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Signal your intentions to pull safely to the shoulder of the road. Remain in your vehicle and roll down your window. Wait for the officer to approach. Turn on the dome light if you are stopped at night. Keep your hands on the wheel and instruct your passengers to keep their hands in view.

• Do not dig in the glove compartment or under the seat. • Keep your vehicle’s registration and insurance information, and your driver’s license, easily accessible.

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