We all try our best to drive safely in order to avoid getting into an accident, but sometimes, accidents happen. After an accident you’re most likely not thinking completely clearly, as this was just a shock to your system. Below is an action plan on how to deal with accidents so that you prepare in the event one happens to you.
1. Emergency Kit – This is not a first aide kit, though you should keep one in your vehicle if possible. Drivers should have access to a cell phone, pen, paper and disposable camera or camera phone to note the accident. Drivers should also keep information about them if they need any special medial attention, such as allergies or special medical conditions should any serious injuries occur. If you would like to purchase a pre-made emergency kit, DocuDent™ Auto Accident Kit is supported by AAA and insurance companies.
2. Safety First - If a minor accident with no injuries has occurred, then it is advised to move the vehicles to the side of the road to keep out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars in traffic can lead to additional accidents. If the vehicle(s) cannot be moved, immediately turn on hazard lights or find ways to let other drivers know to avoid that area. If you stay in your car, make sure you wear your seatbelt for safety until help arrives.
3. Exchange Information – Get this information from the person(s) involved in the accident: driver’s name, address, phone number(s), insurance company, policy number, drivers license number, license plate number, make/model/year/color of vehicle, vehicle identification number and registration number. If the driver’s name is different from what is listed on the insurance card, establish the relationship and get the information for each individual.
4. Document the Accident with Notes & Photographs – Most cell phones have a camera built in so it’s very helpful to take pictures of the accident. In doing so, you want your photos to tell the overall story of the accident (who’s fault) so that you can make your case in court or with the insurance company. If witnesses were present, get their contact information as they may be able to help you should you need to verify or dispute events of the accident.
5. File an Accident Report with the Police – If your accident is very minor and both parties don’t feel the need to contact the police for immediate help, you should file an accident report as soon as you can. Some states offer reports that can be downloaded from their site. Or you can do it the old fashion way and call it in, that’s what I’d do.
6. Review Your Insurance Coverage – eliminate the surprises and review your insurance coverage as soon as possible so you won’t be caught off guard if something is not covered. Check to see if things such as towing or rental cars are part of your policy. If not, you can check to see how much more it would cost to have these on your policy. Sometimes it just a matter of a few bucks more a month, if that’s worth it to you.
We hope that you never have to use these tips, but if so, we hope you find them useful.
When you are ready to purchase a new vehicle safety should be one of the most important things that you think about before making your purchase. IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has done a really really good job explaining what things you should be looking for.
Just in case you were curious here are the Volkswagens that were awarded Top Safety Pick for 2010! Which means that they must have good ratings in all four Institute tests. In addition, the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control.
So you’ve decided to buy a car, minivan, SUV, or pickup. Now the question is, which one? If you factor safety into your choice (most people do), then you probably want to know, what’s the safest vehicle to buy? Safety has numerous aspects, so there’s no direct answer, although it’s clear that some vehicles are safer than others. You can find safer vehicles in various price and style groups. Start by recognizing that safety involves avoiding crashes to begin with and then protecting yourself if and when a crash occurs.
The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) put together a great video that demonstrates what happens to you when you are in a car accident, why seat belts are important, how to wear your seat belt and much much more. I know this video was produced in 1996 and is slightly long but it is well worth the 9 minute watch. I highly recommend it and I think it would be a great video to show your teenagers. Thanks to IIHS for putting this together.
The best way to reduce the risks is to make sure everyone in the vehicle is effectively restrained. This video uses test footage of what happens during crashes to show how to get the most from occupant restraints. For example, it shows how to buckle up properly and why you should sit back from the steering wheel and airbag.
Insurance can be pretty pricey for your teen. You already knew that though didn’t you? Well, there are a few tricks you can use to keep your teens insurance rates down. How?! Check out this video and get some pretty good tips and hints. Freedom for teenagers is important but it does come at a high price.
I happen to think I am a very good driver. Although I would bet there would be some people that would disagree with that statement. I think times are tougher on kids these days. Or maybe they are just smarter then we were back then. There is no way I could help kids out with the math they are learning these days. We never had to learn trigonometry and advanced calculus. That stuff scares me.
I guess the question is, do you remember your drivers education course? I don’t. My parents stuck me in the car and I drove around a field at the age of 14. I was a pro by 15. I couldn’t even tell you what I got on my drivers test or what questions were even asked. Would you remember?
According in AutoBlog there was a study performed that shows that 45 percent of drivers would fail their test if they retook it today. Well would you? This study was done in Britain but i can pretty much guarantee that the results wouldn’t be that far off from American drivers.
Here’s the story:
Almost half of Britain’s drivers would fail their test if they were to re-sit it, thanks to the bad habits motorists pick up over time.
The research by What Car? magazine suggests that 15m of the UK’s 33m drivers would not be successful in gaining a license if they were forced to retake their test.
The magazine carried out research on a sample group of 20 drivers aged between 19 and 70, making them take a mock test. Of those, only 11 were successful, with eight committing a serious fault that resulted in an immediate fail.
In total, the sample drivers committed a total of 277 faults – an average of just under 14 each. The driving test allows a candidate to make 15 minor faults and still pass.
The biggest error made was a lack of observation, with 30 percent guilty of not looking properly. This was followed by speeding and moving away unsafely. Another 10 percent of faults were given for inadequate control of the car, while another 10 percent were for incorrect signalling.
Nobody likes getting pulled over by the cops. You never get over that feeling of looking up in your rearview mirror to see the blue and red flashing lights telling you to pull over. Your heart skips a beat, your stomach drops like on a roller coaster. It’s horrible. You may not always get out of the ticket but there are certain ways you should handle yourself and behave when you are getting pulled over. Trying to flirt or getting an attitude will usually get you no where fast. When you are traveling in your new or used car and you get pulled over what do you do? Here’s what you should do courtesy of Car and Driver.
FIVE BEST THINGS TO DO
1. Pull to the right at the first safe opportunity, then turn off your engine.
2. Stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened. Roll down your window. Turn off the radio. Don’t even think about touching your cell phone.
3. Place your hands on top of the steering wheel and sit quietly. Ask passengers to remain silent.
4. Retrieve license, registration, and proof of insurance only when asked to do so.
5. Answer questions succinctly. Avoid arguing, cursing, or interrupting when the officer speaks to you.
FIVE WORST THINGS TO DO
1. Don’t slam on your brakes when you see the flashing lights, and don’t continue driving for an extended distance.
2. Do not jump out of the vehicle, do not make any sudden movements, and do not approach the officer.
3. You can complain, you can proffer wild explanations, but not for long.
4. Do not lie. If you were speeding, admit it. If you honestly have no clue why you were stopped, wait for the officer to tell you.
5. Do not show your contempt by peeling away after the stop.
Whatever you do. Don’t do what this guy does in the video below in his VW on the AutoBahn in Germany. Not good.
Have you ever had your car stolen before? Have you ever had your car broken into before? I know that this might seem redundant, but if everyone were taking precautions and using their heads when leaving their vehicle unattended, theft from vehicle and car theft in general will decrease.
I’ve never had this happen to me before but I have friends and family that have and trust me it’s a headache and a violation. Each one of them have said to me, “Matt, If I would have just locked my door” etc.
Statistics say a car is stolen every 30 seconds in the United States. When you add up the numbers, that is over 1 million new and used cars stolen every year. If you were to walk out of your house this morning and see your car was missing what would you do? Well I can tell you what you better do!
1) First thing you do is call the police and report your car or any items that are missing. Give the police the color, make, model and year. Also give your license plate number, VIN number and your location.
2) Call your insurance company or your insurance agent after you talk with the police and report your car stolen with the details.
Don’t panic. The police and your insurance company will do everything that they can to help you.
Check out this video. I think it’ll help you.
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About Me
Hi, I am Matt Hiley with Hiley Volkswagen.
I consider myself an automotive enthusiast. I am a husband, father and fierce friend. I hope that you can look at the blog as an automotive resource for some good reading, entertainment and information. Let's get to the discussions already!
Let me know what you think about this blog and if you think I should improve anything. Oh and if there is something you want to know or see on here let me know!
