---

Driving In The USA And Canada - Accidents, Breakdowns And Emergencies

---

If you are driving a rented car then consult the instructions in the rental agreement for the procedure to be adopted in the event of an accident, breakdown or emergency. If you have taken out top-up insurance with a separate company then its policy document will detail the additional procedure which it requires. In general, never admit liability, record what happened, keep a copy of all paperwork, and always obtain the rental car company's go-ahead before taking any action such as having the car towed or repaired.

Flares burning on the road surface usually warn of a hazard such as an accident ahead. If you see flares, slow down and take extra care.

If you break down or are involved in an accident:

• If possible, move the car off the road or onto a hard shoulder or verge. Switch on the car's hazard warning lights if there is any risk to other vehicles.

• Ensure that the driver and all passengers, especially children, are safe from any subsequent injury. In extreme weather try to provide appropriate shelter and drinking water.

• If possible, hail a Police or Highway Patrol car. Some car sunshades (concertina-like folding cardboard shades which are meant to be put up inside the windscreen when the car is parked in the sun) have the words "Call Police" on one side. Putting the hood (bonnet) up is a generally recognised method of signalling for help in event of a breakdown.

• Or, if possible, use a roadside emergency telephone call box. These call boxes are provided on some major highways in the USA but certainly not all, not even all Interstate Highways. They are located on the righthand shoulder and indicated by a rectangular sign with words "Call Box" or "Emergency Call Box" in white lettering on a blue background. The actual box itself is small (just large enough to hold the phone and instructions), coloured yellow and usually mounted on a pole. Many call boxes are powered by solar panels which can be seen at the top of their poles. Consult the instructions in the box. In most cases calls are free and you are directly connected to the Highway Patrol.

  I've hardly ever noticed call boxes while driving in the USA but this may be a failure of my observation. Dave Krupka of Bolingbrook, Illinois kindly offered these comments about emergency telephone call boxes:

  The availability of emergency telephones varies greatly by state and when they are installed, they seem to be mostly in urban areas. Here in the Chicago area, I can't recall seeing any at all, but I remember some areas out west -- most notably California -- where they were common even on lightly travelled Interstates. With cell phones being cheap and common, I suspect the emergency phones will eventually disappear.

  The high number of call boxes in California was confirmed by an email message I received from Richard Robitaille of McKinleyville, California.

  The Pennsylvania Turnpike System has call boxes at mile intervals on all of their expressways, and their emergency number for mobile (cell) phones is *11. The only highway under PennDOT's jurisdiction that has call boxes is Interstate 81 between milemarker 108 and 158.

• Or, in the case of an accident requiring urgent medical attention, phone 911 on a mobile (cellular) phone or a conventional phone. This telephone number should only be used for emergencies. Mobile phones may be unable to obtain a signal in remote areas.

• Some years ago there were notices on some highways indicating that a particular Citizens' Band radio channel was monitored for emergency messages, but nowadays the signs tend to say ring 911 on your cellular (mobile) phone.

• For non-urgent situations the telephone operator may be able to provide some advice. Dial 0 for the operator.

• Or, hail a passing motorist for assistance. In this case, exercise considerable discretion and caution. Although there are many people in the USA and Canada who have the best of intentions and would be willing to assist should you suffer an accident, breakdown or emergency while on the road, there are a small number who prey on tourists. Don't be paranoid about this, but be alert. It may help to say that the police are on their way even when this isn't actually true. If you have serious doubts about anyone offering help, if necessary lock yourself inside the car.

• If the incident occurs in a National Park or similar area then contact the Park Rangers as soon as possible. In my experience they will go out of their way to provide you with every possible assistance.

• If possible, stay with the car. If you have to leave the car, lock it if possible. Be careful not to lock the key in the car. Do not lock passengers or animals in a car with no means of opening doors and windows, especially in hot weather.

• In the case of an accident, everyone involved should exchange their names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's licence numbers and vehicle licence plate numbers.

• If you are involved in an accident which causes damage to an unattended vehicle or other property then leave a note with your details, record the location and the make, model and licence plate of the damaged vehicle and notify the police.

• Accidents should be reported to the nearest police station as soon as possible.

• Accidents involving death, bodily injury or property damage over $500 must be reported in writing to the police and the state Department Of Transportation within ten days. This should be done by the driver or if that is not possible then by a passenger if there is one. Visitors unfamiliar with the legal requirements following an accident should ask the police for advice.

• Retain all paperwork associated with the incident, such as receipts for tows and repairs, police reports, etc. As soon as possible, make a written record of what happened and make photocopies of all relevant paperwork and receipts.

• If you are driving a rented car then you should be able to reclaim any costs for towing and repairs from the company when you return the vehicle, provided you agreed the action with them beforehand and that you have the receipts.

• With rented cars it can be beneficial in some situations to make use of the vehicle manufacturer's guarantee, when this is done with the full prior agreement of the rental car company.

Major Jim Collins of the USAF sent me a message offering the following good advice:

It probably goes without saying that you should NEVER leave your car if another vehicle stops. Also, ensure that your doors are locked. NEVER, EVER accept a ride to a phone. Ask instead that the person drive ahead and phone for you. In the reverse case, if you see a vehicle apparently stranded, contact the Highway Patrol at the next available phone. They will come out and investigate. If someone is going to be in the States/Canada for more than a week, I would seriously investigate the possibility of acquiring a cell phone.

Driving - Other Articles Index

Safety Precautions

Telephones And Telephone Numbers

Home | States/Provinces | Subjects

EMail me

Most recently modified 29-Dec-05