IAM advising on what to do following a collision

If you've ever been in an accident on the road, then you know how stressful and scary it can be, especially if it was your first such experience. Even if you have been lucky enough to have avoided a collision thus far, knowing exactly what to do if/when it does happen may help alleviate a bit of your worry.

Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger from road safety charity the IAM, offers helpful weekly motoring tips and this week, he is advising on what to do following a collision. The advice below is from a recent IAM post titled, "Crash, bang, follow up".

• If you have the option, stop your vehicle where it is safe.


• Turn the engine off and put your hazard lights on (if appropriate).


• Check that you are unharmed first, and then check any other people.


• If you need the emergency services, dial 999 (112 will also work from a mobile if you are used to that) and explain the position to the operator.


• Stay calm. Be careful about your own safety – it’s easy to be focussed on your collision, and to forget there is still other traffic about.


• You must swap some details with any other driver(s) who are involved in the accident – unless that isn’t possible due to injury, or because they have driven away. Give your name, address and registration number, and the name and address of the owner of the vehicle. You should get these details from the other driver(s) also.


• If you don’t, you must report the accident to the police straight away – this must be within 24 hours.


• If someone is injured, or if there is damage to any vehicle involved, ensure you also exchange insurance details.


• Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as you can.


• Get the contact details of any witnesses, and take photos of the scene and any damage to the vehicle(s).


• Note carefully how many people are in the other vehicle(s).

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Nobody wants to think about the possibility of being involved in a crash. It’s not a nice thought, but it happens. Knowing what you must do can make things far easier and less stressful afterwards.”

For more advice and driving tips from the IAM, please click here.