Winter is here, which means slippery road conditions, limited visibility, and unpredictable weather. It’s not surprising that winter drivers experience more accidents than any other season! Drivers must educate themselves on what to do in the unfortunate circumstance of a vehicle collision. Our experts have seen their fair share of vehicle collisions over the last 50 years. We asked our experts for tips on how to stay safe in these situations. When it comes to vehicles – safety is always the top priority. Follow our expert tips to make sure you stay safe if you experience an auto collision.

1. Move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic: If it is safe to do so – move your vehicle off the road and away from the surrounding traffic. It will be safer to follow the next steps if all vehicles are off the road. If you are unable to move your car, make sure you get yourself out of harm’s way and call for help.
2. Check for injuries: If someone is injured, make sure they do not move or try to leave the scene. Except in the case of a fire or other unsafe conditions, an injured person should stay still until help arrives. A professional must assess the injured person to make sure they are not seriously injured. 
3. Stay at the scene: First things first – do not leave the scene of the accident until you are certain you have taken all of the proper precautions and documentation. Even if you’re hit by another vehicle, leaving the scene of impact without recording the proper information can cause bigger problems down the road. No pun intended.
4. Call 9-1-1: If someone is hurt or if there is more than $1500 in damages, Police are required to formally report the accident. If you are unsure – call 911 anyways. It’s always better to be on the safe side and report an accident rather than not.
5. Documentation: If another vehicle is involved in the collision – you must record all important documents. This includes the other driver’s license number, contact information, and insurance info. Make sure that you write down the license plate of the other vehicles involved!
6. Take photos: Photo evidence is a great way to document a collision. Take photos from various angles of the car’s position and any damage. This will prevent details from being altered later on. We recommend taking a picture of the license plate number to go with your records.
7. Report your claim: Start the claim process immediately. The more detail you can provide with your claim, the better. Not sure where to take your vehicle? Your insurance provider can give you the name of the nearest repair center on their direct repair list

Unpredictable things happen, but safety is always the number one priority when driving a vehicle. Stay prepared and make sure you know what to do in the case of a vehicle collision. If you have any additional questions – check out the Virginia State Accident Guide. If you experience an accident and require collision repair for your vehicle – bring it to Warrenton Auto Service! With over 50 years of experience, our team of experts will assist you to ensure your vehicle is ready for the winter. Stop by today!