A motor vehicle accident can happen in an instant, even to the best drivers. In spite of the standard safety equipment on today's motor vehicles, a collision is still anyone's worst nightmare. A car wreck is an incident no parent should have to go through with his teen.
At the accident scene, emotions and tempers run high once the shock wears off. In a crash where persons involved don't appear to be critically injured, would your teen know what steps to take before and after the police arrive on the accident scene? AAA Auto Club provides an accident checklist parents can use to prepare a teen driver.
AAA's Accident Checklist is a Teaching Guide for Parents of Teen Drivers
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is concerned about everyone when it comes to driver safety. The auto club offers a wide variety of tips and information online for teen drivers. AAA understands parents who are apprehensive when it comes to handing over the keys.
Parents of teen drivers are encouraged to take advantage of the Accident Checklist, published in the January/February 2011 issue of AAA's magazine, Going Places. The article on page 45, titled, "Uh Oh! You've Had an Auto Accident" is for drivers of all ages. The same information can be found on the AAA website. AAA recommends (printing) cutting out the checklist and keeping it on hand. It's hard to think straight after a collision; having the checklist in a wallet or glove compartment can help.
Parents can teach teen drivers to follow the 9 steps in the AAA Accident Checklist:
- Keep cool.
- Check for injuries.
- Notify the police.
- Exchange and collect information.
- Gather witness information.
- Record what happened.
- Avoid talking about the accident.
- Don't discuss injuries.
- Contact your insurance company.
Modifying the Accident Checklist to Teen Drivers
Parents can adapt the accident checklist as it applies to teen drivers. The steps are the same, but teens often have a different perspective of how things should be done. Use these tips to prepare your teen driver in case an accident should occur:
You've just crashed your – or your parent's – car. It's not easy to remain calm. You might be tempted to get angry, but shouting and shaking your fist at the other driver (if there is one) isn't being very mature. Save the hostility unless you want to end up in Anger Management class.
If you're able, check for injuries to yourself and your passengers, as well as occupants in the other car. Don't hesitate to call an ambulance. Most likely, the police will respond too, when you call for the ambulance.
When there are no apparent injuries, call the police anyway, regardless of what anyone else tells you to do. You may need the report later if hidden damage is discovered on your vehicle, and/or if you or any passengers begin to suffer symptoms of injury. This is not the time to be coerced by friends who say, "Let it go, man, or your insurance is gonna skyrocket."
Get the other driver's information (license, registration, and proof of insurance) and be ready to give him yours. It's an irresponsible driver (of any age) who says, "I left my license at home." What could be worse? How about, "I don't have insurance; I couldn't afford it."
Get information from witnesses even if you're absolutely positive the accident was your fault. Have each one write his address and phone number. This is important because you're bound to be shaken up by the ordeal and could accidentally write down the wrong information.
What Other Steps Can a Teen Accident Victim Take?
Record what happened. It's a good idea to have a notepad and pen in the car's glove compartment for times like this. Sure, the police will make a report, but you still need to write down your interpretation of what happened. Note the time of day, your speed at the time of the crash and weather conditions. Record the type of road surface (paved, unpaved, potholes, etc.). Write down if you were eating, texting, talking on a cell phone or chatting with a passenger. You may as well come clean and confess, because it's very possible someone saw you at the moment of collision.
Take photos of the vehicles, the property damaged or whatever was involved in the wreck. Cell phone cameras are handy for this. (If you print the accident photos from your computer, don't touch them up in any way or they'll be useless.) Try to photograph any passengers and the other driver. You won't be able to see hidden injuries if there are any, but at least you can photograph the general condition of the victims.
Don't Discuss the Accident Details or Refuse Medical Help
Don't say anything among your buddies and friends (if any are present) or anyone else about the accident. This excludes the police, the insurance company and your parents, of course. Talking can blow the facts out of proportion so that passenger witnesses get confused – and start arguing – about what really happened. Do not admit fault for the collision or damage. All the facts must be reviewed before anyone is charged.
Don't refuse medical help or discuss injuries with others on the accident site, other than the authorities and paramedics. It's not a good idea to insist you're okay; you just got a little bump on the head or your wrist is just a little sore. If the paramedics want you to get checked out, then do it. A hidden injury may surface in a few days and cause pain. Let a doctor be the judge of your condition.
Your parents will most likely report the collision to their insurance company. If not, then do it as soon as possible. You'll need the details you recorded in addition to the police report.
Is an Accident Checklist for Teens Really Necessary?
Is doing all this stuff really necessary after an accident? Yes. The accident checklist applies to teen drivers and all other drivers, as well. There is always the possibility of a lawsuit, court appearances and disagreements – even disagreements between insurance carriers. Having facts and photos in hand may save hundreds of dollars at the very least.
How a teen manages his behavior after a motor vehicle accident is an indication of responsibility and maturity. It's a fact that some teens will believe they're "too cool" to bother with the accident checklist, but not doing the right thing usually comes with a price. The driver who doesn't follow the rules is bound to end up with points on his license, a hefty fine and the thrill of facing a judge in traffic court.
Mary King - Mary King is a Suite101 Topic Editor for the Caregiver Support and Home Management sections. She has authored 5 teen-based novels.
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