New York City gets a reputation for having some of the craziest, angriest drivers in the country. There are over 32,000 accidents in the city every year, with 33% happening in Brooklyn alone.
The point is, it’s scary as a new driver to imagine getting into a collision. Collisions can be life-threatening, damage your car, and raise insurance premiums. Is there any way to prepare for such an incident – or avoid one entirely?
There is, with the help of a Brooklyn driving school. Your school can prepare you to:
- Drive defensively
- Know what to do in an incident
- Handle the situation like a pro
Follow along as we discuss safe driving techniques and your collision response.
Avoid Accidents by Driving Defensively
The most important thing you can do to avoid collisions is to drive defensively. It’s one of the first things you’ll learn with your Brooklyn driving school in defensive driving courses.
In a nutshell, driving defensively is a proactive mindset built on anticipating dangers and being prepared. Defensive drivers have strong self-awareness and take precautionary measures to avoid collisions. It’s more than just following the law, it’s going the extra mile to ensure a safe journey.
Examples of Defensive Driving
Defensive drivers aren’t just cautious or skilled; they drive in a specific way. They do things like the following:
- Keeping a safe speed
- Maintaining a safe following distance
- Giving the right of way
- Slowing down in inclement weather
- Paying close attention to hazards
- Anticipating the behavior of other drivers
It’s important to note that defensive drivers prioritize safety over all else. So, for example, suppose you have the right of way, but taking it would be risky. A defensive driver gives up the opportunity in favor of road safety.
There is an element of mistrust here, too. Not all drivers use their blinkers or brake with enough warning. A defensive driver assumes the worst: that people will cut them off or slam on the brakes, and thus is prepared.
Know What to Do in an Accident
In addition to safe driving techniques, your Brooklyn driving lessons will teach you what to do if you crash. There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you do. Many people crash for reasons that are out of their control.
Further, accidents are more common than you think. It’s actually safer by an order of magnitude to fly than to drive a car, according to USA Facts. People love to brag about how they’ve never been in a crash, but sometimes it’s just inevitable.
So, come prepared. Here’s what you do in the event of a collision.
1. Focus on Your Safety
It can be scary and heart-pounding fresh out of an accident. Give yourself some time to take a deep breath and process the shock. Check to make sure you aren’t injured – if you are, call 911 immediately if possible.
If you aren’t injured, then take extra precautions with your safety. Check carefully before exiting the vehicle. If you’re, say, on the shoulder of a highway, be mindful of high-speed vehicles passing by.
Once it is safe to do so, make sure the other party is OK. Provided they are uninjured and able to walk, encourage them to get to a safe place away from the scene of the accident.
All of this done, it’s time to call 911. Even if it’s a minor accident, a police police report will help. Said report can help speed up the claims process, according to Progressive.
2. Exchange Important Info
Regardless of who is at fault, you need to gather the other driver’s info. Make sure to collect:
- Their license plate number
- Driver’s license
- Insurance ID card
You can either write this information down or snap a picture of it. Avoid arguing, or discussing the accident’s specifics. Leave that to the police and the insurance company.
Importantly, don’t admit any fault. That goes double for speaking with the police. It’s not because you’re trying to avoid the consequences, but rather because your statements can be twisted against you.
After the crash, you should only communicate with the other driver via your insurance provider. Doing so directly can lead to complications.
3. Document What You Can
While you wait for the police to arrive, take the time to snap some pictures. Get some of the:
- Front of the vehicle
- The side and back
- Where a vehicle is located on the road
- Skid marks
- Glass and broken bumpers
Essentially, you want to get a comprehensive look at the crash scene. All of this evidence will be invaluable for your insurance claim. Of course, do keep your safety in mind as you take these pictures.
4. Speak with Witnesses
Are there any bystanders at the scene of the crash? Consider asking them for their contact info. They could provide a third-party account of how the crash actually transpired.
5. File a Police Report
Filing a police report isn’t necessary, but it is highly recommended – even for a simple fender bender. Ideally, the police will do this at the scene of the crash. However, in some cases, you may have to file a police report later.
Think of the police report as a way to establish the facts. If someone rear-ended you, a police report establishes that fact. The other driver would be hard-pressed to alter their claim later on.
6. File a Claim
After the accident, you should focus on getting the necessary medical attention and dealing with your vehicle. Then, file an insurance claim with your insurance company. The sooner the better, as waiting too long after a crash could affect the resulting verdict.
Come to the 5-Hour Brooklyn Driving School
Your Brooklyn driving school will be an invaluable resource for how you react in a crash. After a crash, it’s important to stay safe, document the scene, and exchange information with the driver. Then, make sure to file an insurance claim.
Brooklyn Driving School is the best place to go whether you are an aspiring teen or adult driver. Our courses get 4.8 out of five stars, and our students have a 97% driving test success rate. Take a look at our 5-hour driving course and master the roads.