Car crash investigations | Blog

24th September 2014

A NEW process for reporting traffic crashes comes into effect next month where police will only be required to attend and investigate three types of crashes.

Accident scenes that police will attend are when a person is killed or injured, when parties fail to exchange particulars and when a driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Therefore, drivers involved in traffic crashes where their vehicle needs to be towed – and none of the above criteria apply – can now organise their own tow and leave the area, and later report the crash to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

In addition, drivers will no longer need to report minor collisions to police, even for insurance purposes.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, urged motorists to become familiar with the new streamlined process.

“With only three weeks to go until the new reporting criteria come into effect, it is important for motorists to know whether or not they need to wait for police at a crash site,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.

“These changes are intended to make our roads safer and reduce the impact of a crash on road users, particularly the amount of time vehicles are left blocking the roadway.

“By allowing drivers involved in tow-away only crashes to safely make their way off the road to exchange details and organise their tow, we should see a reduction in traffic delays caused by blocked lanes.”

Key changes:

From Wednesday, October 15, police will need to be called to attend and investigate crashes:

1. Where a person is killed or injured;
2. Parties fail to exchange particulars;
3. A driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police will also attend to direct traffic and deal with hazards or debris on the road, as well as assist with the tow of heavy vehicles.

Currently, they attend and investigate where a person is killed or injured; parties fail to exchange particulars; a driver is under the influence; or, a vehicle involved requires towing from the scene.

In such instances if a vehicle requires towing and no one is injured or under the influence, and all parties exchange details:

• Motorists should organise their own tow and have their vehicle removed from the scene.
• Once this has occurred they should report the crash to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
• Also, from Wednesday, October 15, reports of ‘minor’ traffic crashes – where vehicles do not require towing – will no longer be recorded by police. Police event numbers will not be issued for these incidents.

For details go to http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/road_safety