Road accidents happen every single day and the probability of you getting into one are unfortunately quite high. With the number of cars currently on the road, nobody really wants to get involved in any unfortunate circumstances but the folks from Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch AA) have a few tips on how to get through them as smooth as possible.
Between 2017 to 2018, a total of 14,273 cases of road accidents were reported and the numbers have not been improving by a significant margin. As part of the Bosch AA “Drive for Life” safety campaign, here are five tips that come in handy if you are ever involved in one.
1) Assess your situation
First, breathe. Then, calmly assess yourself for injuries before checking on your passengers. Once everyone’s safety is accounted for, try moving your car to a safer spot and assemble the warning triangle behind your car. Only when it is safe, have passengers exit the vehicle and wait by the side of the road, ideally behind a road barrier. If you feel threatened or intimidated in any way, call the police immediately and inform them of the incident and your location.
2) Assess your vehicle
When it is safe to inspect your car, take photos of the damages on your vehicle and of all other vehicles involved. This will help with potential disputes later on. Exchange the following information with the other drivers:
- Car plate number, road tax, vehicle model and colour
- Driver’s name, IC number and contact details
While it is common practice to exchange personal particulars with other driver(s) involved in the accident, it can be unsafe especially for women to disclose this information to a stranger. If you personally feel uncomfortable sharing your contact details, provide contact details of a close male family figure or friend instead.
3) Understand procedure
It is ideal to lodge a police report within 24 hours unless you need medical attention and to also consider the jurisdiction you’re in. Upon filing a report, a police officer will take photos of your car and your case will be assigned to a traffic investigating officer.
For insurance claims, you will need a copy of the police report, the investigating officer’s report detailing who is at fault and photos of the accident scene.
4) Service your car regularly and use quality car parts
Even though only about 20% of road accidents are caused by poor vehicle and road conditions, prevention is always better than cure. Regular upkeep of your car and the usage of quality car parts can increase the car’s reliability, performance and safety. It not only helps reduce the risk of car breakdowns can help as well as help you avoid becoming a statistic.
5) Feeling overwhelmed? Keep a copy of these tips in your car
It will help you remember what to do in the event of an accident and keep you prepared to face the unexpected and handle any situation with confidence!
So, always be safe on the roads by driving according to the law and being considerate to others. We’re all out there trying to go somewhere whether to work or back home to be with our loved ones. These five tips will not only help you in case of emergencies but also help those around you settle any unfortunate mishaps as efficient as possible. May the force be with you!
