A 4-minute lesson from the Colorado course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
What you do after a crash matters legally and for everyone's safety. Colorado sets clear duties to stop, help, report and share information, and two laws, Move It and Move Over, keep traffic and responders safe.
Know the rule
If you're in a crash, you must provide proof of insurance to law enforcement at the scene or at the police station.
If the driver is physically unable to report a crash with injuries, a passenger must report it and, if directed, stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
Under Accident Alert Status, with no alcohol or drugs, no injuries and all vehicles drivable, exchange information and file a report with law enforcement within 24 hours.
Move Over: change lanes away from a stopped vehicle
Know the rule
Move Over Law: for any stationary vehicle on a highway with hazards flashing, move over one lane if safe. If not, or on a road with one lane each way, slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit.
Good Samaritan laws protect rescuers from being sued when they act as a reasonable, prudent person would, using common sense and not exceeding their training.
During a blizzard declared an Accident Alert, you slide into another car. No one is hurt, nobody has been drinking and both cars run. Exchange information, then file an accident report with law enforcement within 24 hours.
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.
After a crash, what must you provide to law enforcement at the scene?
Proof of insurance
A full written statement of fault
Your vehicle title
A copy of your license history
Answer: Proof of insurance
You must provide proof of insurance to law enforcement at the scene of a crash, or at the police station.
