Accidents happen...
Traffic accidents occur on South Dakota highways every day. Although most motorists would consider themselves to be good drivers, recent statistics indicate that about one driver in every ten will be involved in a motor vehicle crash this year. Many more drivers will at some time or another come upon the scene of an accident that has already occured.

Whether you are actually involved in an accident or only encounter a crash scene while traveling, it is important that you know what to do, who to contact and what information you should record for future use.

If you come upon an accident...
Slow down, but do not stop unless you are first on the scene or signalled to stop. If help is already at hand, your stopping will only further congest the area and handicap those who are giving aid.

If you are first on the scene and wish to render aid, park your vehicle well off the roadway, away from the accident. Activate the four-way warning flashers on your vehicle and use whatever means are available (flares, flashlight, etc.) to warn approaching traffic of danger in the roadway ahead.

If it appears that there is personal injury, serious property damage or danger to other motorists at the crash scene, send the first available driver to telephone for help. Contact either local police, county sheriff's office or the State Patrol. If you do not know the correct law enforcement agency to call, dial 911. Be prepared to provide an exact location such as distance from an intersection or milepost number.

Account for the occupants of all vehicles and provide aid and comfort to the injured. Administer first aid only if you are trained and qualified. Do not remove injured persons unless they are endangered by traffic, fire, or excessive bleeding.

Wait for the police and report your observations and actions to them.

If you are involved in an accident...
We sincerely hope that you and your family will enjoy safe motoring, free from accidents. If, however, you do have an accident, there are things that you not only should do, but in some cases, must do according to law.

You must stop if you are involved in an accident. Pull out of the driving lane if possible onto the shoulder, and turn off the ignition to decrease risk of fire.

Protect yourself and the accident scene from further damage. Activate the four-way flashers on your vehicle and warn other approaching vehicles through the use of flags, flares, or lights if a hazard exists.

Call or send for help immediately (police, sheriff, State Patrol) if there is personal injury involved in the accident. The law requires that you employ the quickest means possible in notifying a police agency in case of death or injury. If you are qualified, administer first aid to injured persons. If not, do only what you can to make the injured comfortable. State law requires that you render reasonable assistance.

You must give your name, address, date of birth, and the registration number of your vehicle to other drivers involved in the accident. You must also, if requested, exhibit your driver's license. The same information must, by law, be provided to any police officer at the scene.

At the site of the accident, the drivers involved must, if requested by any other person also involved in the accident, give the name and address of the insurance company providing their automobile liability insurance coverage, and the name of the local insurance agent. If unable to furnish such information at the scene of the accident, the driver must do so within 72 hours. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor.

If property damage only is involved, and all parties agree, it is not necessary to notify police. If your vehicle is disabled, you should make arrangementss to have it towed as soon as possible.