Winter Driving

Knowing what to do if you are involved in an accident can save lives and also make the claims process easier. During a winter storm a local jurisdiction may likely be on accident alert. That means if no one is injured and there is no alcohol or drugs involved, you need to move the vehicles to a safe location and exchange contact and insurance information.

At the Scene of an Accident:

Follow these tips if no one is injured and the jurisdiction is under accident alert:

1. Check with your insurance companies as many of them have apps you can use to document the following and file your claim.

• the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
• license plate numbers
• make and model of each car
• driver's license numbers
• insurance identifications
• names and addresses of witnesses

Follow these tips if someone is injured:

1. Stop your car and find out if anyone is injured.

2. Call the police or highway patrol. Tell them how many people were hurt and the types of injuries. The police will notify the nearest medical unit.

3. Cover injured people with a blanket to keep them warm.

4. Try to protect the accident scene. Take reasonable steps to protect your car from further damage, such as setting up flares, getting the car off the road and calling a tow truck.

5. Ask the investigating officer where you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will probably need it when you submit your claim to your insurance company.

6. If necessary, have the car towed to a repair shop. But remember, your insurance company probably will want to have an adjuster inspect it and appraise the damage before you order repair work done.

7. Make notes. Document the following:

   • the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
   • license plate numbers
   • make and model of each car
   • driver's license numbers
   • insurance identifications
   • names and addresses of witnesses
   • names and badge numbers of police officers or other emergency personnel

If you run into an unattended vehicle or object, try to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note containing your name, address and phone number. Record the details of the accident.

Download brochures on winter driving and facts about liquid de-icer, provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation:

• Slick Tips: Colorado Winter Driving Handbook

• Liquid De-Icer Fact Sheet