What to Do If You...
Have a Car Accident
A first accident can be a terrifying experience for anyone, especially a new
driver. It can be difficult to remain calm and remember the proper steps when
rattled.
- Never leave the scene of the accident.
- Call the police and, if necessary, an ambulance, or ask someone else to call.
- O btain information from the other parties: Name and address of each
driver, passenger, witness & owner of the vehicle, insurance company and
policy number for each vehicle.
> Tip: Take a photo of the insurance card.
- Report the accident to your insurance agent or directly to the insurance
company as soon as possible.
> Tip: Take photos of the damage!
Nearly 50% of
new drivers will get a
speeding ticket their first
year of driving, and drivers
ages 16-19 have the
highest rates of car
accidents.
Get Pulled Over
You’ve learned the rules of the road, but do you know what to do if you see
flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror? Captain Tommy Carswell of the
Auburn Police Department gives us his advice so you can be prepared.
- Pull over promptly. The law says that a motorist should pull over
immediately and doesn’t necessarily give a violator permission to find a
location that they determine as being safe, but officers do try to select a safe
location for both the officer and the motorist. It is the officer who is best
suited to determine what is a safe location.
- If you have doubts, proceed to a place you feel safe and call it
in. It is suggested by many organizations that motorists who question the
safety and validity of a traffic stop turn on their flashers and drive slowly to
a close, safe location. Of course, they can call 911 and let a dispatcher know
they are being stopped, especially if being stopped by an unmarked car. But
there should be no doubt that the motorist is merely looking for a safe place
and hasn’t passed safe places. A safe place could better be defined as a public
place or a place with lighting.
- B e courteous and provide the appropriate documents , but wait
until being asked for documents before starting to reach into glove com-
partments and consoles. Once the officer has made the request, provide him
or her with your drivers license, registration, and proof of insurance. It is a
good idea to have your registration and insurance card already organized in
a folder where you can easily find them when you need them!
www.potentialmagazine.com
Graduated
Driver’s License
Many teens and parents are not
aware that some states have
graduated driver laws which put
extra restrictions on new drivers.
Alabama’s law applies to 16-year-
olds and 17-year-olds who have
been licensed for less than six
months. Here are the details:
1. Other than family members,
only one passenger under the
age of 21 allowed.
2. Curfew: 12 a.m. - 6 a.m.
3. No non-essential handheld
devices while driving.
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