While the roads across the country have become less congested as more people stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, crashes will still happen, whether you are in a work vehicle or your personal vehicle.

In the case of a minor collision, where neither party is injured, the people involved should pull to the side of the road, exit their vehicle, walk up to each other and begin exchanging information.

But in a world where the Center for Disease Control recommends people to keep at least six feet apart from each other in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, certain steps have changed in the process of exchanging information. 

One of the biggest steps in helping stop the spread of the virus is to wear a mask, and to wash hands frequently. It’s a good idea to keep hand sanitizer on hand, especially when traveling. However, the main change is to not physically exchange insurance cards or any type of identification cards. Instead, share any needed insurance and license information verbally, with each person involved writing down the information. 

Since you’ll be exchanging phone information, you can also take photos of the needed identifying cards and send that to the other person. The goal is to abide by CDC recommendations and stay six feet apart.

 After exchanging license and insurance information, take photos of damaged vehicles, license plates and the surrounding area.

The police should have been called, and when they arrive, all precautions stated above should be followed with them as well.

If you have any questions about how to handle a collision, talk to your manager or boss, to make sure you are following your company policies. And remember, drive safe!