Nearly 34 million auto accidents occur annually in the U.S., and no matter how skilled of a driver you may be, it could happen to you. According to statistics by the National Safety Council, one in eight licensed drivers is involved in an automobile accident each year. If you are involved in an accident, remain calm and follow the tips provided below to lessen the stress caused by this unfortunate situation:

* Stop your vehicle and, if necessary, move it to a safe position near the location of the accident. The law requires that you stop at the accident scene; failure to do so could result in a traffic ticket or a warrant for your arrest.

* If your vehicle isn't drivable, call Sora’s Towing at 513-831-9400.

* Check all involved parties for injuries. Everyone who can walk should move to a safe location. If necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.

* Exchange contact information with all parties involved in the accident.

* Get the year, make, model, license plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number for all vehicles involved.

* Identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information.

* Contact the police. The police will advise you if their response to the scene is necessary. Contact the police if the accident involves a hit and run, if there are injuries to people, or if it is apparent that liability will be disputed. If police are present at the scene of the accident, get the police officer's name, phone number, and the police report number.

* Do not admit fault. Give details of the accident and cooperate with the police in providing answers to their questions.

* If you have a camera in your possession, take photos of the damage to the vehicle, accident scene, and people involved.

According to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about one quarter of all traffic accidents are attributed to driver distractions. Some of the most common distractions while driving include:

* Glancing at an accident, a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement, a billboard or just a scenic view

* Using/dialing your mobile phone

* Eating and/or drinking

* Adjusting the climate control

* Operating radio, cassette/CD player

* Smoking

* Personal grooming

* Moving object in the vehicle (such as an insect)

Remember that driving a car is a serious responsibility that requires your full attention. You should always be aware of the traffic around you, and try to minimize your distractions by simply using common sense and good judgement.

No law requires you to get more than one estimate.

You are not obligated to use any particular shop to obtain repairs. You choose the shop and authorize the repairs.

You do not have to accept the Insurance Company’s appraisal of the damage. See the “Appraisal Clause” in your policy to resolve differences.

You are responsible for the cost of repairs. Financial arrangements must be completed before the vehicle can be released.

Always carry your insurance ID card and vehicle registration.

Keep a list of emergency contacts at all times.

Have a medical card with you if you have allergies to any medication, or have a condition that requires special attention.

Pens or pencils

Paper or a note pad

Flashlight

Flares

First-aid kit

Blanket

Jumper cables

Rag or paper towels

Trash bag

Disposable camera

Develop the right attitude about driving. Many teen auto accidents are a result of attitude and maturity. Make a commitment to yourself to practice a responsible attitude about driving. You’re controlling over 3,000 pounds of fast-moving metal, and you owe it to yourself, your passengers and other drivers to drive responsibly.

Get as much supervised practice driving as possible. Your parents should take an active role in your practice driving. Make a firm schedule with them and stick to it. And keep it up until you take your test to get a license.

ALWAYS wear your safety belt. Get into the habit of wearing your safety belt whenever you drive or ride—no exceptions.

Underage drinking and drug use is illegal. Even if you’ve consumed only one drink or smoked one joint, there is a chemical effect on your brain that can impair judgment and reaction time. Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other illegal drugs can cost you your license or your life.

Limit your passengers. Your risk of a fatal crash increases with every additional passenger. When you’re a new driver, it’s best to limit your number of passengers.

Limit your night driving. Your risk of a fatal crash is three times higher at night than in the day for every mile driven. It is better to avoid nighttime driving until you are comfortable driving during the day.

Keep it slow and safe for starters. Fast-moving, high volumes of traffic can make you feel uncomfortable, so avoid them until you can get enough supervised driving experience. Then you can gradually introduce more difficult driving situations, like highway driving, merging off ramps and driving in cities.

Train for poor weather conditions. Even when you begin to feel confident driving on dry pavement, it’s best to avoid driving in bad weather conditions unsupervised. Keep it simple at first, and get as much supervised practice driving in poor weather as you can before trying it on your own.

Cell phones are for emergency use only on the road. One of the worst habits anyone can get into is talking on a cell phone while driving. Keep a cell phone with you in the car for emergency situations only. If you have to use a cell phone, pull safely over to the side of the road.

Drive a safe vehicle. If you are thinking of getting your own car, look for one with high safety ratings. Avoid small cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Check out federal statistics and consumer report literature to help evaluate the safety rating of a car or truck. The Insurance Institution for Highway Safety (the people who do crash tests) offers valuable vehicle safety test results and advisories. www.highwaysafety.org.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates a fully staffed rental office right from our facility.

With over 150 vehicles for rent it could not be easier or more convenient to keep you moving.

Many times your insurance company will cover the costs.