Each year there are millions of auto crashes in the United States that result in injuries, death and heavy damage to vehicles involved.

While the average driver will have few accidents in their motoring years, there will most likely be countless times you witness or drive by an accident scene. Remember, you not only have a moral obligation to report that you witnessed an accident - but many times a legal obligation to as well.

Here are 6 things you should do if you witness an accident while driving:

  1. Ensure your own safety first: Even emergency personnel are taught that to ensure you’re safe before assisting others. Experts recommend you immediately turn on your hazard lights and slow down. If it’s safe to stop, pull over and away from the damaged vehicles so police, firefighters and ambulance personnel can pull closely to the scene. It’s best to pull off the roadway, ideally into a safe parking lot at least 100 feet away, so you don’t risk damage or injury.
  2. Notify authorities: Auto crashes on public roadways should be reported to authorities. Call 911 and report the incident to get help on its way. A public safety dispatcher will determine whether to send police to handle the investigation or traffic control, mobilize firefighters to assist injured or trapped occupants, summon ambulance crews to evaluate or transport injured people, and deploy special crews to handle toxic liquids or debris left in the roadway. In some states, minor fender benders on private property may be handled by the drivers involved in the crash, who do not need police intervention to exchange papers. When in doubt, it’s best to call authorities.
  3. Ask if occupants are OK: If the situation is safe, ask occupants from a safe disatance whether they need help. If they appear unconscious or injured, report this to authorities immediately. Do not attempt to move an injured occupant or they could risk more injury. Experts say the only time you should move an accident victim is if they are in a dangerous position (such as the vehicle catching fire or other life threatening development). Even in that case, move them as gently as you can, if possible.
  4. Provide first aid if needed: If the crash site is safe, and you’re properly trained in CPR and basic first aid, use your skills if you believe someone is in cardiac arrest. In remote areas, it may take several minutes before rescue teams can arrive at the scene. Someone in cardiac arrest may not recover or may suffer brain damage due to lack of oxygen if they go several minutes without air.
  5. Remember what you see: Don’t be surprised when the adrenalin starts pumping while you’re at an accident scene. Try to calm down, get your thoughts together and remember exactly what you saw and heard. If you need to, write it down or snap a few pictures with your smartphone.
  6. Report that you witnessed the accident: Tell police that you witnessed the crash so you can be questioned or if the insurance company needs to speak with you. If the crash is more minor and police aren’t involved at the scene, you should let one or more drivers know you witnessed the crash in case they or their insurance company has any questions.

Have you been an eyewitness in an auto accident? Share your story and tips in the comment field below.

Click or call 855-244-7671 to get New York and Pennsylvania car insurance quotes and recommendations. Our friendly InsuraMatch agents can help you get the best insurance at the best price. Call today, buy today!