Emergency supplies
Consider having the following emergency supplies in your car at all times:
- first aid kit
- approved warning devices such as reflective triangles
- booster cables
- non-perishable food
- jack and inflated spare tire
- flashlight with extra batteries
- tow rope
- headlight replacement bulbs.
Animals
To reduce the chance of a collision with an animal, do the following:
- Reduce your speed, look well ahead, and use caution in areas with wildlife warning signs.
- Scan the sides of the road for animals.
- Be careful at dusk and dawn since animals tend to be more active at these times.
- Watch for sudden unusual spots of light on or near the road at night. This may be the reflection of your headlights from an animal’s eyes.
- Animals sometimes move in groups. If you see one animal, there may be more.
If an animal suddenly appears in front of you, brake hard and prepare to take evasive action. Choose an escape route away from oncoming traffic.
Collisions
If you are the first person at the scene of a collision, stop away from the collision in a safe location. Offer assistance if possible, and protect the scene with flashing hazard lights and reflective triangles so that other vehicles do not become involved. If it is necessary to notify the police or emergency medical services, be as accurate as you can, especially about the condition of any injured people and the location of the collision.
If you are involved in a collision:
- Give assistance where you can, protect the scene, and notify emergency assistance if needed.
- Exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved.
- Record the names and contact information of all witnesses.
- Do not discuss who was at fault.
- Record the time, location, weather, and any other details that may be important.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
You are required to report all collisions to the police or local law enforcement if:
- anyone has been injured
- anyone has been killed
- overall damage exceeds $5000 (see alberta.ca/automobile-collisions-insurance to confirm the current property damage collision (PDC) threshold)
- any damage has been done to any traffic control device, parking meter, or public property.
If police are called to the scene, all drivers must remain.