Knowing What To Do Can Save Your Life

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You feel like you’ve seen it a thousand times before but on television -- not in your rearview mirror. You’re about to be passed by a high speed chase. What should you do?

For Californians, police pursuits have become common along local streets and freeways. According to the FBI, police pursuits result in more than 350 deaths per year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that California leads the nation in deaths as a result of high speed chases, with 40 reported in 2007.

“Police pursuits have become a common scene on our streets and freeways,” said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California. “In a split second, you may have to make a decision to protect yourself and other drivers.”

The California Highway Patrol recommends that if drivers are on the freeway during a high speed chase, they should stay in their respective lanes and should merge to the right, when safe to do so; as long as such movement does not interfere with the emergency vehicles. On city streets, the CHP recommends that motorists move to the right as soon as it is safe to do so and the movement does not interfere with emergency vehicles.

If your car is hit by either a law enforcement vehicle or the vehicle being pursued, the collision coverage in your auto insurance policy should take care of the damage. As with any auto accident, try to move your car to a safe location and get as much information as possible. If there are injuries call 911. Assess the damage and call your insurance agent or company immediately.

Both the CHP and NHTSA report that high speed pursuits involve unique and highly stressful conditions for officers. Drivers should always use common sense and avoid getting in the way of the pursuit. The last thing an officer needs is an innocent driver making a wrong move during a high speed chase.
 
IINC is a nonprofit, non-lobbying communications association representing the property/casualty insurance industry. For more information, visit our Web site at www.iinc.org or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/iinc.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
National Highwway Traffic Safety Administration