What to do after a road accident: a step-by-step guide
If you;re ever involved in a road accident, knowing the correct steps to report it could save you from legal headaches down the line.
In the event of a road accident involving injury, death, or property damage, the driver must report the incident. If the accident occurs and the driver has not already informed a police or traffic officer at the scene, they must report it as soon as possible. Specifically, if there are injuries or fatalities, the report must be made within 24 hours. Otherwise, the report should be made on the next working day.
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To report, drivers must visit a police station or any authorised office (such as a Metro Police station), where they will need to present their driver’s licence, identity number, and other required details as per Section 61 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996).
Pedestrians or passengers involved in the accident can also report their involvement at any police station, preferably the closest to the accident. They must show proof of identification. If they lack identification, they need to provide hospital records and an affidavit or statement confirming their role as a pedestrian or passenger.
Reports must be made in person. Telephonic or third-party reports are not accepted. Individuals should not be sent from one department or station to another unnecessarily.
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Each driver or pedestrian involved must complete their own Accident Report (AR) Form. This form is essential for documenting the details of the accident. The form should be accurately filled out to reflect the incident precisely, and the location must be specified clearly.
Once the AR Form is completed, it should be entered into the official Accident Register. The reporting individual will receive an official reference number as proof of the report.
A photocopy of the AR Form can be obtained by involved parties – drivers, passengers, or property owners – by paying the prescribed fee and completing an official request form. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) and Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) can obtain certified copies of the form without consent, and free of charge. If a criminal investigation is underway, requests for copies should be directed to the deputy information officer.
Failure to report an accident within the required timeframe, without a reasonable explanation, may result in a written notice to appear in court or an infringement notice under the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act.
By understanding these procedures, you can ensure compliance with the law and aid in the efficient handling of road accident reports.
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