Here in Wisconsin, we have been enduring snow on top of the crazy cold and wind chill temps. Unfortunately, when the temperature dips this low, salt is relatively ineffective on roads and walkways. As you can imagine, this has resulted in lots of car crashes and accidents on highways and back-roads. Last year, we had an epic car pileup that was actually caught on video.
Seeing people hopping out of their cars in the middle of an icy highway prompted a number of discussions on how to stay safe once you’ve been in an accident.
Today, I’m partnering with MetLife Auto & Home® to go over some of the things you should keep in mind if you find yourself on the side of the road due to an accident or breakdown.
First, take as many precautions ahead of time to avoid getting into an accident as you can. Making sure your car is prepared for the weather conditions will give you an advantage when it comes to avoiding trouble.
If the unfortunate should happen, make sure that you are familiar with your insurance policy and are aware if 24/7 emergency support is available to you. Having your insurance company’s phone number preprogrammed into your phone will save you having to fumble around looking for it at an already stressful time.
Second, check on the health and safety of anyone involved in the accident. If you are unsure about any injuries, call 911 immediately. If there are no immediate medical emergencies, call the police and report the accident. They will let you know when you can expect an officer to arrive on the scene.
Unless your life is in danger where you are, most authorities recommend staying in your vehicle until help arrives. You should definitely NOT step out onto a highway where you could be struck by oncoming traffic. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location but do NOT leave the scene of the accident.
Turn on your hazard lights so that traffic approaching from the rear can easily see you. (I also employ this tool when I come upon a back up on the highway and have to slow down significantly.) If you are able to exit the car without endangering your safety, raise the hood to let others know you need assistance.
Be sure to communicate all of the important details to any law enforcement who arrive and exchange insurance information with anyone else involved in the accident. You might also want to collect contact information from any witnesses who are around.
Hopefully, you will never actually be in an accident, but if you are, knowing what to do can prevent any further injury or damage to your vehicle or yourself.
For even more information, be sure to check out MetLife’s Mastering Disaster video series.
Share your tips on staying safe on the road by posting to Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #MasteringAuto.
Disclosure: I am currently a member of the MetLife Auto & Home Insurance Blogger Program and this post is part of my involvement. I have been compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.
I know that I have been in three accidents in my lifetime. Two weren’t my fault and the other was mine. I have to say that my first accident left me with some health issues and I struggle today because of it. If you are in an accident, the first thing you should do is call 911 and exchange information with the other driver (if you are able). If there are any injuries, remember to seek treatment asap even if you don’t go off in an ambulance.
Call 911
After an accident, one thing I can do to stay safe is to turn on my hazard lights so oncoming traffic can see me and go around. #MasteringAuto
I did not know a lot of these important things to do during an accident. I am going to make sure my insurance company’s phone number is in my phone, and stay in the car after the accident is so important. Also turning on my hazard lights is one thing that I need to know.
If you are able to move the car…do so out of the flow of traffic especially if it is a a little bumper to bumper
I agree, one of the most important tips is to stay in your vehicle if you can. After our horrible accident on Otober, I immidiately got out of the car as my truck was facing oncoming traffic on the hwy, I wasn’t fully aware of the danger that alone could have put me in.
OMG, how awful this weather is to drive in! Calling 911 right away is a MUST. Often after an accident, you’re a little dazed, and might not realize that you are injured, or that your passengers are. Stay safe!!!
If it’s safe, staying in your vehicle is best.
Always turn on your hazard lights and remain in your car unless its unsafe!
If possible move the car out of the road and stay in the car if at all possible.
After an accident one thing I learned to do is pull to a safe place but not away from accident scene!
Avoid getting in to an accident by being prepared for winter.
Make sure you put your hazards on and no matter the minimal nature of the accident, always call 911!
Having your insurance company’s number is a great idea. It’s scary when you’re so shaken up after an accident that you have to think about it and go look for it.
Great tips! Especially about staying in the car and knowing your insurance policy.
Agree, first thing to do is turn on your hazard lights.
Check on the condition of all passengers.
turn hazard lights on
turn on hazards, if you can call 911, and try to get out of the on coming traffic if possible
if you can pull safely to the side of the road.
I’d say to stay safe, first pull off to a safe area if possible, call for help, and stay in your car
put your hazard lights on and just in case familiarize yourself with insurance policy
This info is very helpful, thank you!
If you get into an accident to stay safe stay in the car, lock the doors, and call 911 immediately!! You do not need to make contact with the other driver until the police arrive!
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One thing to do to stay safe after being in an accident is to make sure that you turn on the flashers so the people that are coming behind and towards you will know that they need to go around you and don’t hit you or the other person involved in the accident.
I try to be an extremely safe and cautious driver. I know its not only my driving I have to worry about . If I do (I pray to God I never am) ever get in an accident, The first thing I’m going to do is make sure every one is okay, then get help.
Great tips! I keep road flares in my car, and an emergency CB radio. I like to think those would help if I ever had an accident. Especially in the cold weather.
Great tips, thanks. I hope to never need any of these tips but great to know.
Check on the health and safety of anyone involved in the accident. If you are unsure about any injuries, call 911 immediately. I
Having been in an accident or two I would recommend staying inside your vehicle especially if you are on a highway. Also take photos of the scene for documentation!
Turn on your hazard lights so that traffic approaching from the rear can easily see you, then call 911.
TURNING ON YOUR HAZZARD LIGHTS!!! Their was recently a big accident on the highway! 150 cars!!! I saw some of the video on the news and most people did not have their hazard lights on as more people were crashing in!
Aside from raising the hood and turning on the emergency lights ~ I always carry a well charged cell phone and all of my medical insurance info/card as well as a list of medications and allergies.
Turn on your signal or hazard lights and call 911 after an accident.
It’s a good idea to program emergency phone numbers and your Auto Club into your phone. After an accident you are nervous and don’t want to be looking up numbers.
Turn on your hazard lights so that traffic approaching from the rear can easily see you
I always make sure to keep my insurance card handy. And I let the cops handle it, instead of getting upset!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
turn on the flashers
Call for help,and stay put.
Cal 911
Turn on your hazards and stay put!
It would be most important to pur my hazards on
I need to make sure I know where all my insurance cards and paperwork is, and that I have that copy in all the cars.
After a car accident you should call 911, AAA(or other roadside assist service if you have it), stay calm and alert to traffic.
Give pertinent info to only the police. Call 911 and your insurance company. Yes, to hazard lights.
Turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible, make sure your in the safest spot possible and call 911
staying in your vehicle until help arrives
Make sure your insurance is to update and take pictures.
Try to get off the roadway out of traffic and stay in the car
It is important to stay calm in an auto accident.! Have your insurance information ready and take pictures of the scene.