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 Most crashes in Texas result from speeding, failure to yield, driving under
the influence of alcohol, following too closely and running red lights and stop
signs. To learn the best ways to avoid a collision or what to do if you are in a
crash, please read the information below.
Driving Tips
- Slow down and drive to conditions.
- Drive friendly – yield to other drivers and be courteous.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Look both ways before you enter an intersection.
- Signal every turn and lane change.
- Stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking.
What to do after a Crash
- Check for injuries. If people are hurt, tend to them.
- Move your car out of the roadway to a safer place where you can exchange
names, addresses, phone numbers, vehicle identification numbers, vehicle
license plate numbers, insurance information and driver license information.
- Note the
location of the crash and get the names, addresses and phone numbers of any
witnesses. If the vehicles cannot be moved, protect the scene by setting up
flares or raising your hood.
When to Call Police
Always call the police when:
- an injury or fatality is involved,
- the vehicles cannot be moved,
- you suspect one of the drivers is intoxicated,
- one of the drivers has no insurance, or
- one of the drivers leaves the scene.
When to Move Your Vehicle
If you are in a collision and no one is hurt, don't wait for
the police before moving your vehicle. If you can drive the vehicle, the law
requires you to move it out of the flow of traffic.
If there is damage to the vehicle, stop and exchange information. If someone
is hurt, render aid and notify law enforcement. If you hit an unattended
vehicle, find the driver or write your name and address on a note explaining
what happened. You must also include the owner’s name and address if the vehicle
you are driving doesn’t belong to you.
When to File a Crash Report
If a law enforcement officer is not investigating the crash, you must file a
crash report
[Word, 2 pages, 308kb] with TxDOT within 10 days if:
- there are
injuries or a fatality,
- you suspect property damage exceeds $1,000, or
- you
suspect a driver is intoxicated, unlicensed, has no insurance or attempts to
leave the scene.
If you don’t file a report, you’re subject to up to a
$500 fine, plus court costs.
Auto Insurance
Texas law requires drivers to have basic liability coverage called
“20/40/15,” which means $20,000 per injured person, up to a total of $40,000 for
everyone hurt and $15,000 for property damage. If you don’t have auto insurance,
you can be fined up to $350 (or more if you’ve been ticketed before for no
insurance). Be ready to show your insurance card if an officer asks you
for it, and inform your insurance company of a collision right away. |
