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In Case Of An Accident-Tips

FT. COLLINS, Colo., May 16 -- During Memorial Day weekend, thousands of drivers will be involved in automobile accidents. Although it may not be possible to avoid a collision, it is possible to steer clear of costly mistakes.

The Consumer Protection Association of America has designated May 20-24 as National Driver Education Week ( www.wiserdrivers.com ), with tips on everything from protecting yourself and your passengers to ensuring that you'll have a replacement car while yours is being repaired.

-- Move cars to the side of the road and away from traffic if there are no serious injuries. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If cars cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seat belts fastened until help arrives.

-- File a police report. Although law enforcement in many locations may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at any police station. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.

-- Check your policy for specifics -- before you are involved in an accident. Don't wait to find out until after an accident that your policy doesn't automatically cover towing or a replacement rental car. For only $1 or $2 a month, you can add coverage that provides a rental car for little or no money while yours is being repaired or is stolen.

-- Carry a cell phone, pens and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera, and a medical information card. A free fill-in-the-blank accident information form is available at www.wiserdrivers.com .

-- After an accident, write down the name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number and license plate number for the driver and owner of each vehicle. Write a description of each car, including year, make, model and color; location of the collision and how it happened.

Based in Fort Collins, Colo., the Consumer Protection Association of America provides information resources, educational materials, and conflict resolution services to consumers and businesses.