Getting involved in any kind of car on car accident, either big or small, is a disconcerting experience if not downright terrifying! But once the initial shock has worn off and if you are basically uninjured, it’s absolutely essential to keep your wits about you and follow a few basic steps in order to protect your interests and make sure all your bases are covered.

1. Tend to any passengers immediately. Everything else can wait. If there are injuries, be sure to call the police and an ambulance right away.
2. If the accident is a minor one, move both cars out of moving traffic for your safety.
3. Make sure you get the names and contact information for any witnesses to the event. In many cases, people do not have time to stick around for the police but they are willing to be contacted later either by the authorities or by the insurance companies. Even if you think the fault is obvious, and even if both drivers agree, someone may change his story later: so witnesses are extremely important.
4. Often police will not come if the accident is a minor one. If this is the case, be sure to get all the information you will need for an insurance claim, including:
   • Driver’s name, home phone number, insurance card, policy information, agent of contact
   • Make, model, color and year of other car as well as license plate number
   • Time and exact location of accident
   • Write down your version of what happened
   • Contact your own local insurance agent right away: he may even come to the scene to ascertain the events for himself and offer support.
5. After these immediate post-accident steps are completed, drive your vehicle (if possible) or have it towed to a good Utah auto body repair shop like Shine Collision to get an estimate. Remember that even seemingly minor collisions may result in underlying damage that can put your safety at risk; so it’s wise to have your car checked out by a professional.

Accidents are scary — there’s no doubt about it! But keeping a cool head and following all the proper steps will can make a bad situation better.

Safety in the Snow

Winter is officially here and snow season has begun. Snowed out roads and hazardous driving conditions are a complete package from December to March. These easy tips will help you stay safe while driving this winter.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Severe cold and heavy snow can be hard on your vehicle. The first thing you need to do is have your car winterized to make sure it is in the best shape possible to take on winter storms.  Some simple steps to take are:

• Make sure the battery is fully charged
• Check your tires pressure
• Change to an oil that provides better winter performance
• Check windshield wipers and wiper fluid

Practice Driving In The Snow

Certain braking techniques and driving maneuvers are proven effective when you are driving in heavy snow conditions. By practicing these moves in an empty parking lot you will be prepared when it comes time to taking on the busier streets and highways.

• Drive slowly and become familiar with the thickness of ice and snow under tire
• Brake when turning corners to make sure you don’t skid into on-coming traffic
• If you start to skid turn into it and accelerate slightly to get control of your vehicle
• If you get stuck in the snow try rocking it back and forth until your tires are free

Be Trained To Deal With Emergencies

Unpredictable conditions can lead to flat tires, dead batteries and icy windshields. By being prepared and trained on how to install and take care of certain matters it will relieve your anxiety and make you more comfortable driving in the winter.

• Learn how to replace a flat tire
• Practice installing tire chains for hazardous road conditions
• Carry jumper cables and learn how to jump start your car battery
• Carry an ice chipper and snow brush to maintain clean windows

Driving on winter roads can be scary but if you are prepared and ready for any situation it will ensure a stress free snow season. Follow these quick and easy steps to stay safe and secure on the dangerous roads.