First off, think about casualties.
If someone is injured and in need of an ambulance phone 999.
Ambulance service will also inform our control room and we’ll get there to take control.
Until help arrives, please give first aid and set out hazard signs to warn any other oncoming traffic of your presence.
If there’s no one injured and there’s no sign of any offences then swap your details with the other driver and sort it out between yourselves or your insurance compaies.
If you or the other driver were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, were on the phone or didn’t have insurance, then please call us, we’ll want to come chat about that one!
Removal of cars:
If the cars are moveable then push/drive it off or to the side of the road (where possible) so other motorists can pass.
You can then exchange details with the other driver.
If your car is in a road worthy condition then you can continue on your journey, after exchanging details with the other driver(s). That is if you feel up to it.
Recovery:
Sometimes you may need to have your car recovered, it would be useful to look up a few recovery operators now and enter their number in your phone (also helpful if you break down).
Some insurance companies want you to use their appointed recovery operators, so it would also be wise to find these out now and put them in your phone or car.
Make sure you have your insurance company’s number in your phone too!
Stay safe by driving within the confines of the law.
Always leave plenty of stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front (when stopping in traffic make sure you can see their back wheels) never break the speed limit, wear your seatbelt, don’t use your mobile phone whilst driving (no driving selfies/checking texts) and turn your lights on when it’s raining!
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.
