What to do When an Accident Strikes
Thanks to Hollywood, we’ve all seen what can go horribly wrong when a big truck gets into an accident.
Although a giant fireball and 10-car pileup isn’t likely, big commercial trucks do tend to be at risk for major accidents simply because of their weight and size in comparison to other vehicles.
In a report released by Transport Canada, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics of 2014 state that 21,730 light-duty vehicles and 1,120 commercial vehicles were involved in severe crashes across Canada in 2014. Of the serious injuries or fatalities, in most cases, it’s always the driver who is affected. Numbers are decreasing, which is fantastic, but truckers must still be vigilant out on the roads.
Big trucks experience difficulty making short turns, and due to their cargo, sometimes the extra weight makes even the smallest variance in driving the factor for a crash.
All new Hino trucks come backed by HinoWatch, which grants you 24/7 support and roadside assistance. Regardless, here’s what every truck driver should know, and do, in case of a crash.
Stay Calm and Stay Put
Your initial reaction is most likely shock. Depending on how serious your injuries are, your first instinct might be to get out of the truck. If you are able to, call 911 immediately. If you are trapped in the cab and your injuries prevent you from exiting your vehicle, stay put. It’s likely that the other vehicle has also drawn attention, and fellow drivers will call it in. As a fleet operator, you represent the company, so any aggression should never be directed at the other driver, despite who’s at fault. The most important thing to remember is to never move the vehicle. Not only is this illegal (unless the police instruct you to do so), but you could potentially obstruct oncoming traffic and cause another accident.
Find a Witness
Canadians are nice people, and if there’s a crash, it’s likely that fellow drivers will come to your aid and call 911. On major roadways like the Don Valley Parkway or the 401, there’s an endless stream of vehicles everyday. Somebody is bound to see something. If another vehicle pulls over to assist, grab their contact details. Witness testimonies come in handy if the accident is taken to court. If you represent a company, this information could be crucial to avoiding fines. It’s also important to get a picture of the license plate of the other vehicle involved in the crash. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime, but many people still do this, especially if they’re not insured, so you want to protect yourself should this happen.
Take Lots of Photos
Sometimes your adrenaline is running so hard after the accident that you forget this part. Don’t just take photos of your truck once it’s in the Service Centre. Document the damage caused on scene, with visual evidence of the scene. That way, you won’t be accused of causing damage to the vehicle yourself. Get images of the other vehicles involved, damage to any and all angles of your truck, and any damage to nearby extremities like traffic dividers, trees, or poles. Basically, act like a crime scene detective and be extremely thorough.
Should you find yourself the victim of an accident, Somerville Hino has your back. Our Service Centre is stocked with genuine OEM Hino parts for sale and we always have great parts specials, should certain parts need replacing. Be proactive and learn more about our Hino Trucks Warranty. Call us today at 1-(877) 650-6296 or contact us online for more information.
