Fender benders are a common sight on city streets - in Edmonton, there were more than 28,000 collisions last year, with most occurring during the winter months. Not only are they frustrating for the drivers involved, but also for other motorists who get stuck in the resulting traffic jam. And since a lot of drivers don't really know what to do in the event of a crash, police resources can end up getting tied up unnecessarily. Here's what you should know in order to keep minor collisions from becoming major headaches:
When do you have to call police?
• If someone has been seriously injured.
• If you suspect the driver is impaired.
- In these cases, call 9-1-1 so that EMS can be dispatched to the scene and police can be notified.
- Also, keep your vehicles where they are so that the collision scene can be investigated.
• If a driver does not have proper documentation including his or her driver's license, registration or proof of insurance.
• If one or more of the vehicles aren't drivable call the police complaint line at 423-4567.
• If the combined damage to vehicles is more than $2,000. If that's the case, you must go to a police station and file a Collision Report Form. If you don't, you could face a $287.00 fine.
What to do if you have been involved in a collision?
• If your vehicles are drivable, move them to a location where they are not obstructing traffic.
• Exchange information like insurance, registration, names and drivers licence numbers, as well as names and phone numbers of all witnesses.
• To protect yourself, take photos of vehicles, licence plates and damages in case the other driver changes his or her story later on.
• If someone refuses to provide their information, document the licence plate number, vehicle description and driver description before they leave the scene.
• Report collisions to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Police remind drivers that prevention is the best way to avoid the headaches that accompany collisions, especially since following too closely is the most common cause of fender benders.
"Use caution and a little bit of patience and we will get through the cold season here without too many problems," says Sgt. Ray Akbar with the EPS.
See below for a handy vehicle collision guide you can print out and fill out if you ever get into a crash:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/75066853/Report-a-Collision
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