California driving lesson · Insurance, Collisions & Registration
Collision causes & what to do at the scene
A 3-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Knowing what causes collisions helps you avoid them. If one happens, the law requires you to stop, help, and exchange information. Leaving is a hit-and-run, with severe penalties.
The most common causes of collisions:
Driver distractions
Unsafe speed
Improper turns
Not following the right-of-way rules
Not following stop signals and signs
Driving on the wrong side of the road
A vehicle traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic
If you see a vehicle's emergency flashers ahead, slow down; there may be a collision or emergency. Pass carefully and avoid driving near collisions if possible.
If you hit or roll into a parked car or other property, try to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note with your name, phone number, and address securely attached, and report it to law enforcement.
Backing out of a space, you dent an empty parked car. Look for the owner. If you can't find them, securely attach a note with your name, phone number and address, then report the collision to law enforcement.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What must you do first if you are in a collision, regardless of injuries?
Drive away and call later
Wait for the other driver to stop first
Stop
Only stop if you caused the collision
Answer: Stop
You must stop if you are in a collision; failing to stop is a hit-and-run.