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 Most crashes
in Texas result from speeding, failure to yield, driving
under the influence of alcohol, following too closely
and running red lights and stop signs. To learn the best
ways to avoid a collision or what to do if you are in a
crash, please read the information below.
Driving Tips
- Slow down and drive to conditions.
- Drive friendly – yield to other drivers and be
courteous.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Look both ways before you enter an intersection.
- Signal every turn and lane change.
- Stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking.
What to do after a Crash
- Check for injuries. If people are hurt, tend to
them.
- Move your car out of the roadway to a safer place
where you can exchange names, addresses, phone
numbers, vehicle identification numbers, vehicle
license plate numbers, insurance information and
driver license information.
- Note the location of the crash and get the names,
addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. If the
vehicles cannot be moved, protect the scene by setting
up flares or raising your hood.
When to Call Police
Always call the police when:
- an injury or fatality is involved,
- the vehicles cannot be moved,
- you suspect one of the drivers is intoxicated,
- one of the drivers has no insurance, or
- one of the drivers leaves the scene.
When to Move Your Vehicle
If you are in a collision and no one is hurt, don't
wait for the police before moving your vehicle. If you
can drive the vehicle, the law requires you to move it
out of the flow of traffic.
If there is damage to the vehicle, stop and exchange
information. If someone is hurt, render aid and notify
law enforcement. If you hit an unattended vehicle, find
the driver or write your name and address on a note
explaining what happened. You must also include the
owner’s name and address if the vehicle you are driving
doesn’t belong to you.
When to File a Crash Report
If a law enforcement officer is not investigating the
crash, you must file a crash report [pdf, 1 page, 41kb] with
the Texas Department of Public Safety within 10 days
if:
- there are injuries or a fatality,
- you suspect property damage exceeds $1,000, or
- you suspect a driver is intoxicated, unlicensed,
has no insurance or attempts to leave the scene.
If you don’t file a report, you’re subject to up to a
$500 fine, plus court costs.
Auto Insurance
Texas law requires drivers to have basic liability
coverage called “20/40/15,” which means $20,000 per
injured person, up to a total of $40,000 for everyone
hurt and $15,000 for property damage. If you don’t have
auto insurance, you can be fined up to $350 (or more if
you’ve been ticketed before for no insurance). Be ready
to show your insurance card if an officer asks you for
it, and inform your insurance company of a collision
right away. |
