Whether you’re a new driver or one with decades of experience, a car accident can happen in the blink of an eye. The best way to prevent a fender bender is to pay careful attention to the road and stay aware of the cars in front of you, behind you, and those in other lanes. But as many people know, accidents happen.
Corporal Kimani George of UAB Police and Public Safety shared these tips for dealing with a minor car accident:
- First things first: Make sure you’re okay. Check yourself for injuries, and stay as calm as possible.
- If it’s safe to get out of your car, check to make sure the other person is okay too.
- If you’re on UAB’s campus, call UAB Police. You can do this by either using the Rave Guardian app or calling 205-934-4434. (Pro tip: Store this number in your phone’s contacts so that you can access it in an emergency.) If you are not on campus, call 911.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident.
- If the accident is a minor one, move your car to safety, such as on the side of the road or into a parking lot. (If the accident is a major one, leave your cars where they are.)
- Share information with the other driver. This includes name, driver’s license number, car make and model, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Wait in a safe spot nearby for the police to arrive.
“A lot of times, accidents happen because drivers are not paying attention to the road ahead of them,” George said. “Do your part in making sure you are a good driver by making sure there’s an appropriate distance between your car and others, watching for potholes and other obstructions in the road, and observing the speed limit.”
George also recommends that drivers stay weather aware—don’t rush in the rain—and make sure their car is in good working order. “Check your brakes, tires, and windshield wipers and always make sure both your headlights and taillights are working so that other drivers can see your car,” he said. “And remember: You can get a ticket if your lights are out.”
Drivers can also get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt. And most importantly, remember that one of the worst habits that leads to fender benders can also result in a ticket: texting and driving. Don’t do it.