involved in accident

MOTOR VEHICLE accidents
have an unpleasant way of hap-
pening all of a sudden.

In the ensuing confusion, we can
sometimes forget what we should
do to satisfy the law, our insurance
agents and, frankly, to protect our
own interests.

So here, before the adrenalin
Starts to flow, are a few reminders.
Your responsibilities

While laws relating to a driver’s
responsibilities at an accident scene
vary slightly from province to pro-
vince, on one point there seems to
be general agreement: that the
driver should stick around and
render whatever assistance is
possible to others at the scene.

Also, that you should provide
your name, address, and those of
the owner of the vehicle you were
driving, as well as the licence plate
number, to the investigating of-
ficer, and others directly involved
in the collision.

In the agony of the moment, it’s
easy to forget your car was in gear
and probably in motion when the
collision occurred; chances are, it
still is. So. turn off the ignition to
prevent your car from lurching
once again into motion.

Warn other vehicles using the
road of your presence by setting
out flares and turning on your
emergency flashers. Since gasoline
and other flammable liquids are
often spilled in a collision, don’t
smoke or set flares too near the
scene.

Naturally, all occupants of vehi-
cles that are on fire, no matter how

small or seemingly innocent the
flames, should get out immediate-
ly.

Summon emergency treatment
for anyone who is injured. In
many cases, the best you can do is
make them comfortable until the
ambulance arrives. Perform road-
side first aid only if you have been
trained to do so. Otherwise, render
whatever assistance you can to
those who are trained.

Each province has its own
criteria for whether or not an acci-
dent must be reported to the
police. Nevertheless, it’s a safe bet
that the police should be notified if
anybody is injured or if the dam-
age is considerable.

With the high cost of replace-
ment parts these days, it doesn’t
take much for the damage to be
considerable. When in doubt, call
the police.

Get the particulars of any in-
dependent witnesses, and their ver-
sion of what happened.

Exchange ownership, driver’s
licence and insurance particulars
with other drivers, and obtain tite
names and addresses of any in-
jured people, the natures of their
injuries, and where they were
taken for emergency treatment.

Motor vehicle collisions can
often end up in court, traffic —
civil or both — usually months, if
not years later. The only way
you're going to remember what
happened is if you've made a sim-
ple diagram of what happened and

See Write
Page 33

WE PROTECT
YOUR CAR FROM
THE BOTTOM UP!

SPRUCE UP FOR SPRING

Call us to book your next appointment

NORTH VAN UNDERCOATING

1311 Pemberton Ave. N. Van.

987-4477

3t - Friday,

March 30, 1990 - Nerth Shore News

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BRAKES FROM @ FROM

FRONT END
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a

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WHEEL

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*The cost of additional components and labour required to restore brake system to its proper

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**Service charges of $9.95 per axle. Guarantee does not cover

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800 MARINE DRIVE
NORTH VANCOUVER

986-5361

SERVING THE
NORTH SHORE
FOR 23 YEARS