Just a little deviation from the normal sorts of posts.
On Saturday night I, once again, witnesses a car accident. Not a bad one in terms of injuries, but an accident. My wife and I had just left a restaurant and were in the upper left section of a "T" intersection preparing to turn right - down the "T". The car in front of us turned right but the vertical section of the "T" had three lanes, two heading toward the intersection (up the T) and one heading away (down the T). The car in front of us turned into the middle lane, which is the left-hand turn lane, and hit a car coming toward the intersection head-on. I parked on the shoulder and got out to help. So here are a few thoughts on handling vehicle accidents...
First, it is important to follow your local laws and the direction of your insurance company's and/or attorney's direction and guidance. With that said remember that personal injury and health are the most important issue immediately after the accident. Make sure you are ok, and then worry about others. Keep yourself safe whenever you attempt to check-on or help others. It's the same way with professional rescuers - there's no point in getting yourself hurt and making yourself another casualty. So assess the situation quickly and determine if anyone is hurt and call for help. Try to get the contact information from not only the others involved parties but witnesses as well before they wander away - and no doubt they will.
Anyway, keep a few key things in your car like flares, a first aid kit, a disposable camera, pen/pencil and paper, insurance card, and any seasonal items that are appropriate - like a blanket in winter. As for the disposable camera, don't hold back; if you have 26 exposures then use 26 exposures. It's not like you want you vacation on that roll too.
If you're a witness - and you're civic-minded - make sure everyone is ok, get the tag numbers as quick as possible (and tag numbers of vehicles that have stopped briefly before leaving), call for help if no one else has, and then offer your assistance. Keep in mind that the involved parties probably have no idea what to do - take the lead. Offer to lay flares, get names and contact information, and take pictures.
Just a few thoughts on something off the beaten path.
Rob
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