We often talk about heading to the ‘bank of mum and dad’ when we’re needing help money wise, but it turns out finances aren’t the only thing Gen Z are having to ask their parents for help with.
A new survey from Group 1 Automotive asked drivers aged 18-27 on how they would fare if faced with a road traffic accident, revealing that just a quarter (26%) wouldn’t have to call their parents for help, and would know how to handle it on their own.
Female Gen Z drivers felt less prepared, with a mere one in five (19%) saying they wouldn’t have to call their parents, versus a third (33%) of male drivers who said the same.
Although it naturally makes sense to go to your parents in a new and stressful situation, to ensure all drivers feel prepared, Group 1 has put together a step by step guide for how to handle a road traffic accident. Just in case any parents phone’s are going to voicemail.
- Stop your car
If you’re in a car accident, you must stop your car as soon as possible. If you leave the scene of your accident, you can be charged with a hit and run.
You should then turn off your engine and switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of any obstructions.
- Check for injuries
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Make sure you keep as calm as possible, and don’t make any quick movements if there are injuries. If anyone is injured, call 999 for medical care that’s needed.
If there are luckily no injuries for any parties, make note of this incase it comes up later in any claims. If you’re unsure of anything, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor just in case – injuries aren’t always immediately visible!
- Exchange details
You must share your name and address with everyone involved if the accident causes any damage to your vehicle or bodily injuries.
You and any other drivers should exchange:
- Names
- Addresses
- Contact numbers
- Registration details
- Vehicle owner names
- Insurance details
Try to remain calm, don’t apologise or admit fault, and also don’t point the finger at anyone else. It’s a stressful situation, but getting into a fight with other drivers won’t help your case. Leave it up to the police or insurers to decide who is at fault.
If you have trouble getting details from anyone involved in the accident, or they have left the scene without giving details, call the police on 101 straight away while you are still there. Try to note down a registration number or any other details on the car if you’re able.
- Take photos and notes
A RTA can be an overwhelming scenario, making it easy to forget details.So it’s important to make note of the following while you’re at the scene:
- The time and data
- Driving conditions (weather, lighting and road quality)
- The make, model, colour and number plate of any vehicles involved in the accident
- The damage caused to your vehicle
Be sure to take pictures of the cars, positioning and damage – this will come in handy for any insurance claims.
- Call your insurance
Ideally, instead of phoning mum or dad, you should then ring your insurance company as soon as you can.
They will most likely ask you for your policy number or some information to identify you, the registration numbers of any cars involved, the driver’s details and their insurer’s details to assess your case.