collision checklist

Nobody wants to crash, but make sure you’ve got this page handy just in case, along with a pen and sheet of paper. If it all goes pear-shaped, just follow the instructions.

FIRST:

■ Stop and warn other road users of the incident. If anybody has failed to stop, take their registration number or a description (make, model, colour). Even just a partial registration number may be of use.

COLLISION INFORMATION:

Date:

■ Switch on your hazard lights and, if possible, move the vehicles to a safe place. Assess any injuries and offer first aid if you can. If anyone has been injured, contact the police or ambulance service straight away.

Weather conditions (low sun, foggy, raining, sunny):

Road conditions (wet, dry, muddy):

Road where collision occurred:

Time:

Brief description of what happened, using a diagram if it helps:

OTHER VEHICLE:

Registration:

Driver’s name:

Number of occupants:

■ Call the police if there’s debris on the road or an obstruction to traffic; don’t put yourself in danger making the crash scene safe. Call the police if any other driver is aggressive or uncooperative.

Note: If more than one other vehicle is involved, make sure you collect their details too.

Make & model:

Description of driver:

Driver’s contact number:

Colour:

Vehicle’s insurer: Insurer’s contact number: Policy no:

DAMAGE TO VEHICLES:

YOUR DETAILS:

Fill this section in right away, so in the event of a collision, you can simply tear it out and hand it over.

Name: Contact number:

Make: Model:

Insurer:

Insurer’s contact number:

Bike registration:

Colour:

Policy no:

I confirm that all details on this sheet are to the best of my knowledge, correct and accurate:

You: Other rider/driver:

Signed: Signed:

Date: Date:

■ Don’t admit liability – even if you think it was your fault. If you do, it’ll only cause problems later on.

■ Don’t put yourself in danger to make the area safe – call the police and stay out of the way of any moving traffic.

■ Don’t leave any valuables behind if you have to leave the scene – damaged bikes and cars are often looted.

■ If you have a bike camera, offer the footage to your insurer and the police if they are involved.

■ Contact the police – even if you think the collision is only minor, they will have it on their records if any dispute arises.

■ Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the collision – and certainly within 24 hours.