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It's safe to say that every driver dreads the sound of grinding metal and that jarring feeling that accompanies a fender bender. Despite the common nature of most car accidents, the chaos and stress that follows can create confusion on what to do next. Brushing up on a few details may save a lot of pain and suffering down the road. Motor vehicle accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental deaths and injuries in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 6 million auto collisions in the U.S. each year. ese accidents result in nearly 40,000 deaths, 3 million injuries and 2 million people who are permanently injured each year. A 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found costs associated with auto collisions over $870 billion per year. is estimate includes a wide range of costs including property damage, medical expenses, and lost productivity. ese statistics, while alarming, reinforce the importance of health insurance and auto insurance coverages such as medical payments, uninsured motorist, and under-insured motorist. It is important to discuss these different types of insurance coverage with your insurance agent so you can make an informed decision on how best to protect your family. In the aermath of a car accident, your mind will most likely be whirling, but these highly intense moments immediately following a crash are the most critical should a legal case arise from your accident. Being prepared beforehand with the proper items, as well as knowing what to do aerwards, can help you stay safe, and ensure you get the information you need from the scene, including information that may help to protect yourself from liability. If you are involved in an auto collision, first check to make sure everyone is okay. en, even if the accident is not major, call 911 and TEXT BY RANDY TARUM THE MORE YOU KNOW SiG MT 37 SiG MT 23 ACCIDENT PREPAREDNESS: Prepare for the Worst Preparation is part of being a responsible driver, but car insurance is only one aspect of being prepared for an accident. Drivers can't predict when or where an accident will occur, so preparing in advance for the possibility of a collision or mechanical malfunction is key to staying safe. From being stranded in a snowstorm to handling a fender bender, here are ten supplies that equip drivers for the worst. • Emergency kit. Many emergency kits are kept in the trunk or rear of a vehicle, but they should be kept in a place the driver can easily access. First-aid kits are the most common type of emergency kits, but there are also emergency kits designed for breakdowns. ese kits include items like jumper cables, work gloves, rain ponchos, and blankets. • Driving and insurance paperwork. Drivers must carry their license and proof of insurance everywhere they go. • Phone charger and list of emergency numbers. Ideally, your phone will be charged enough to make a few phone calls as needed aer a wreck. But wrecks don't always happen under ideal circumstances, so it's a good idea to keep a charger for your phone on-hand. It is also helpful to store a list of emergency phone numbers close to the driver's seat in case your phone dies or can't be found or recovered in the vehicle. ese numbers can include family members and emergency contacts as well as numbers to your insurance agent or trusted mechanic. • Escape tool. A single tool can mean the difference between life and death in an accident. e auto escape tool has a sharp blade designed to cut through seat belts, and two steel tips designed to break windows. e tool can be aached to a keychain or clipped to a visor for easy access. • Flashlight. is can be helpful if you get in a wreck at night or somewhere off the beaten path. • Quick tire fixes. Certain sprays and tools can be applied to small holes or flat parts on tires to provide a quick fix. • Cones, warning lights, or flares. If an accident occurs, these can be used to signal other drivers to stop or slow down and are particularly useful if you can't move your car out of the roadway. • Water. Water can be helpful not only for drinking but can also be poured on an overheating engine to keep it from catching fire and causing permanent damage. • Disposable camera. Even though most people carry smartphones or camera phones now, it is still a good idea to keep a disposable camera in your car to document any accidents that occur. You may not be able to access your phone or it may not be charged enough should an accident occur. • Pen and paper. Crucial for writing down information about other drivers involved, such as license, insurance, and car make and model information. ACCIDENT PREPAREDNESS

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