The ‘bank of mum and dad’ seems to have expanded.

It turns out finances aren’t the only thing Gen Z have to ask their parents for help with.

When it comes to emergencies, they are the first call for help.

Help!

A new survey from Group 1 Automotive asked drivers aged 18-27 how they would fare if faced with a road traffic incident.

The results reveal that just a quarter (26%) wouldn’t have to call their parents for help and would know how to handle it independently.

Female Gen Z drivers felt less prepared for emergency situations on the road.

Just one in five (19%) say they wouldn’t have to call their parents, versus a third (33%) of male drivers who said the same.

It naturally makes sense to go to your parents in a new and stressful situation.

However, we all need to have a basic understanding of what to do in an emergency on the road.

Group 1 has put together a step-by-step guide for how to handle a road traffic crash.

Parents won’t always be there, so all new drivers need to be prepared.

RTA, what to do

  1. Stop your car

You must stop your vehicle as soon as possible if you are involved in a crash.

If you leave the scene of your accident, you can be charged with a hit and run.

You should turn off your engine and switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of any obstructions.

  1. Check for injuries

Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.

Keep as calm as possible, and don’t make any quick movements if there are injuries.

If anyone is injured, call 999 for medical care that’s needed.

When there are luckily no injuries for any parties, make a note of this in case it comes up later in any claims.

Being unsure of potential injuries, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor just in case – injuries aren’t always immediately visible!

  1. Exchange details

You must share your name and address with everyone involved if the accident causes any damage to your vehicle or bodily injuries.

You and any other drivers should exchange:

  • Names

  • Addresses

  • Contact numbers

  • Registration details

  • Vehicle owner names

  • Insurance details

Try to remain calm, don’t apologise or admit fault, and also don’t point the finger at anyone else.

It’s a stressful situation, but fighting with other drivers won’t help your case.

Leave it up to the police or insurers to decide who is at fault.

If you have trouble getting details from anyone involved in the accident, or they have left the scene without giving details, call the police on 101 immediately while you are still there.

Try to note down a registration number or any other details on the car if you’re able.

  1. Take photos and notes

A RTA can be an overwhelming scenario, making it easy to forget details. So it’s essential to make note of the following while you’re at the scene:

  • The time and data

  • Driving conditions (weather, lighting and road quality)

  • The make, model, colour and number plate of any vehicles involved in the accident

  • The damage caused to your vehicle

Be sure to take pictures of the cars, positioning and damage – this will come in handy for any insurance claims.

  1. Call your insurance

Ideally, instead of phoning mum or dad, you should then ring your insurance company as soon as you can.

They will most likely ask you for your policy number or some information to identify you, the registration numbers of any cars involved, the driver’s details and their insurer’s details to assess your case.