This December, as part of our “A Safer Naper” campaign, the Naperville Police Department is focusing on roadway safety and preparing for emergency situations. The winter months bring challenging road conditions and unfortunately an increase in weather‑related crashes (traffic accidents). Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing what to do right after a crash can help make everyone safer.
Here are some tips if you or a loved one are ever involved in a traffic crash:
Ensure safety & remain calm
Stop your vehicle in a safe, well‑lit public place that does not obstruct traffic, if you are able to do so, and turn on your hazard lights. Check for injuries and make sure everyone is safe.
Call 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 immediately to report the crash and if anyone is injured. Even in minor crashes, it’s essential to report the incident to law enforcement. Illinois law requires the driver of a vehicle to file a crash report if the crash involves death, bodily injury, or property damage of more than $1,500. If any vehicle involved in the crash is uninsured, a report must be filed if property damage is more than $500.
Move vehicles if possible
If your vehicle is drivable and no one is injured, turn on your hazard lights and move it out of the traffic lane to prevent additional crashes. Our 9-1-1 dispatchers will give you further instructions.
Remain inside your vehicle
If your vehicle is stopped on or near the roadway, including the shoulder, stay inside your vehicle. It is the safest place to be until help arrives. Remaining inside reduces your risk of being struck by passing traffic.
Cooperate with police
When officers arrive, explain what happened, sticking to the facts. Provide your driver’s license and insurance information. Do not discuss the crash with others at the scene.
The police report
The officer will give you a crash report number. A full crash report with driver, vehicle, insurance and witness details will be available from the police records department. This is the information your insurance company will need.
In the City of Naperville, an officer will respond to the scene of nearly every report traffic crash, whether on private or public property. If the police can’t get to the scene, or an emergency traffic plan is activated during inclement weather and the vehicles are drivable with no injuries, 9-1-1 dispatchers will instruct you to file a police report in person at the police department.
In other municipalities, if an officer is not at the scene of a crash, a report must be made at the nearest police station as soon as possible. Drivers should exchange contact information; insurance company and policy number; driver’s license number; license plate number; and the vehicle’s type, color, and model. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will give drivers further instructions.
For more information on roadway safety, what to do in emergency situations, and winter driving tips, visit www.naperville.il.us/ASaferNaper.
Until next month… Stay Aware & Stay Safe.
