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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1988-05-18, Page 20PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988. Horsepower *88 You must report accidents When a person is involved in a car accident, there are certain laws that must be observed. Assuming that you are not injured, the first question to ask yourself is, “How much is the accident worth?’’ In other words, “Has there been personal injuries or damage to property apparently exceeding $700?’’ You might wonder what a “$700 accident’ ’ will buy you with respect to repairs. A complete front bumper would be in this price range. Replacing a fender and * fixing a very small dent would also cost this amount. A third example is a basic enamel paint job. Essentially, a “$700 accident” is going to be a very small one considering the cost of repairs today. Under $700 it’s not manda­ tory to report the accident to police. If the accident causes more than $700 in personal injuries or damage, you must make a report of the accident “forthwith to the nearest provincial or municipal police officer.” How soon is “forthwith”? This depends on the circumstances. If the accident happens on a Sunday and the only damage from the accident is to your own vehicle, then a delay of six hours would probably be considered reason­ able. On the other hand, if your car rolls over in a ditch and you leave the scene of the accident without reporting it, and don’t bother to check the damage or contact the police until the next day, you would not be fulfilling your legal obliga­ tion. What happens if you are physi­ cally incapable of reporting the accident? If you have someone in the car who is able to make the report, that person is required to do it. Section 173(3) of the Highway Traffic Act tells you what type of information you must give to the police officer. This includes details of the accident, the persons involv­ ed, the extent of the personal injuries or property damage and Don’t Wait Until It's Too Late! Let the experts at... A DICKSON’S Gj CT AUTO REPAIR We Specialize In:-------------------------- • Seiberling Tires • Quaker State Oil • Headlight Aiming • Safety Checks • Computerized Wheel Balancer • Lifetime Warranty Radiators and Mufflers We specialize in major drive-line repairs Dickson’s Auto Repair MAIN STREET, BLYTH 523-9706 any other relevant information. The police officer to whom you provide this information is requir­ ed to complete a written report about the accident and submit it to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the accident. If you fail to report the accident, you could, upon conviction, be assess­ ed three demerit points on your driver’s licence record. Remaining at or immediately returning to the scene of the accident is required for every person who is directly or indirectly involved in the accident. You are also obligated to give any possible assistance. If requested by anyone who has suffered lossor injury or by a police officer or a witness, you are required to provide your name and address, the name and address of the registered vehicle owner of the vehicle as well as the number of the vehicle permit. Under the provisions of the Compulsory Automobile Insur­ ance Act, you are also required to give the name of the insured person, the make, model and serial number ofthecar, as well as the effective date of the insurance contract and when it expires. The name of the insurer, the insurer’s agent, if any and the police number of the contract must also be provided. What happens if you don’t remain at the scene of the accident or provide the appropriate assist­ ance and information? Upon con­ viction, you could acquire seven demerit points. You are also guilty of an offence, under Section 174(2) of the High­ way Traffic Act and if convicted, “liable to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both, and in addition your licence or permit may be suspended for a period of not more than two years.” Being in an automobile accident is certainly not a situation any of us Locally owned and operated 190 MITCHELL AVE. S. wants to be part of. Knowing what is expected of you should the unfortunate event happen, how­ ever, helps prevent you from unknowingly breaking the law. 1986 PONTIAC 6000 4 door, automatic, air 1985 PONTIAC 6000 4 door, automatic, air 1983 OLDS 88 ROYALE 2 door, V8, automatic, air 1988 PONTIAC 6000 LE 4 door, automatic, air 1986 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 4 door, V8, automatic, air 1985 BUICK CENTURY LM 4 door, V6, automatic, air 1987 CUTLASS CALAIS 4 door, air, AM/FM 1984 PONTIAC 6000 4 door, V6, automatic, ai 1984 OLDS 98 REGENCY 4 door, fully equipped 2-1986 PONTIAC PARISIENNES 4 door, V8, automatic, air 1986 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME 4 door, V8, automatic, air 1985 BUICK REGAL 2 door, V6, automatic, air 1987 CHEV CELEBRITY WAGON 4 door, air 1986 CHEV CELEBRITY WAGON 4 door, automatic, air • 1987 BUICK REGAL LM 2 door, V6, air 1986 PLYMOUTH RELIANT 4 door, air 19840LDS88R0YALE BROUGHAM Fully equipped 1985 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME BROUGHAM 2 door, fully equipped 1985 CHRYSLER LE BARON G.T.S Fully equipped 'THESE CARS- ARE IN-STOCK & READY TO * GO!!! \ 1983 DODGE ARIES 4 door, automatic, air ABOUT THE _____ SAVINGS ON YOUR W FAVOURITE m WlL MODEL! 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