As the world has been turned upside down due to COVID-19, we decided to touch on a few tips that can be helpful any time of the day or year.

Emergency Vehicles

You must yield the right-of-way to police, fire, ambulance, or any other emergency vehicles using a siren or air horn, and a red or blue flashing light.

  • When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible.
  • If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
  • Follow any instructions given over the emergency vehicle’s loudspeaker.
  • Emergency vehicles often follow each other so proceed only when clear.
  • When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying lighted red or red and blue lights, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. If it is safe to do so, make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle.
  • Always reduce your speed when approaching an emergency vehicle and always anticipate a sudden or abrupt movement by an emergency vehicle.

Health Is Wealth

Experts agree that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is your best defense against stress.

  • Try to fit at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity into your schedule three to four days a week.
  • Eat well balanced meals – more grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks.
  • Try to get a good night sleep each night.
  • Avoid nicotine. Cigarette smoking affects your coordination and concentration. The use of cigarettes while driving can cause you to drive unreasonably fast or slow, and may cause you to weave in and out of traffic. Smoking and second-hand smoke contribute to lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and general poor health; also, the high cost of health insurance.

In the Event of an Accident, Please Obtain the Following:

  • All involved drivers and passengers’ names, addresses, license numbers and phone numbers
  • The car owner’s name, address and phone number (if different from driver)
  • Insurance company names or 3-digit code, policy number and expiration date
  • The names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses
  • The phone number and precinct number of responding police officers
  • The name of all responding police officers and the accident report number
  • The name, address and phone number of any medical facility an injured party is taken to from the scene by ambulance
  • The name, address and phone number of any tow trucks responding to and removing vehicles from the scene
  • Your passengers’ contact information prior to them leaving the scene

Take Pictures of All Vehicles Involved in an Accident

  • Make sure you take the point of impact and all sides of all vehicles involved, from all angles.
  • Take photos of any skid marks, traffic signals or other related factors that may have caused the accident.
  • Take photos of the scene from up close and from a distance.
  • Photograph nearby buildings and stores as witnesses may have witnessed the accident and were unable to come forward at the scene.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to settle an accident at the scene by offering to or accepting cash from any involved driver or passenger.

Article by Bertram Merling

Bertram Merling is the Loss Control Coordinator for the Hereford Insurance Company.

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