What to do at the scene of an accident
As soon as your vehicle is involved in an accident you need to follow these steps regardless of who was at fault.
Kenny Mampondo, Randfontein Traffic Chief provided the essentials when involved in a road accident.
If you do not stop at the scene of an accident or fail to report an accident in which you were involved it qualifies as an offence.
When you are involved in a traffic-road accident as a driver and cause injury to someone other than yourself, injury to an animal or damage to property there are important steps you need to take to avoid breaking the law and to help any possible future insurance claim.
If you as a driver get involved in a road-traffic accident that results in another person being injured, damage being caused to another vehicle or an animal that has been injured or killed there are certain things required of you.
You must stop and remain at the scene for a reasonable period of time and give your vehicle registration number, name and address to anyone with reasonable authority for asking those details. If those details are not exchanged at the scene it is crucial to report the accident at a police station within 24 hours.
If another person is injured you should provide your certificate of insurance to anyone with reasonable authority. If you do not, you should report the case within 24 hours where your certificate of insurance is needed. Remember you cannot report the incident to the police via telephone nor can you send someone else to report it for you.
At the scene:
• Note down a detailed description of what happened including as much information, photographs and notes as you possibly can.
• Take down the date, time, location, weather conditions, traffic and road markings/signs/signals.
• Make note of the other vehicle involved, this should include the make, model, registration number, colour, condition, estimated speed, direction, use of lights/indicators and number of passengers.
• Take the other driver’s contact details, description/ distinguishing features, contact details of passengers, pedestrians or witnesses and the details of any police officers involved.
• Description of the damage to vehicles/property and any injuries to people involved.
• It is crucial to indicate to the police if you suspect the other driver might have been under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• If your vehicle needs to be towed, make sure you are aware of the company towing your car and the location of the company.
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