From the 1st of January
2015, the law in relation to reporting traffic crashes has changed. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved
in a traffic crash, depending on the severity of the crash there will be
different requirements. Motorists are
only required to report traffic crashes where:
(i)
death
or injury occurs; or
(ii)
a
vehicle requires towing from the scene.
If you are involved in a traffic crash
where:
(i)
no
one is injured and the involved vehicles are driveable: the drivers need to exchange
their personal & licence details, vehicle details and insurance company details
(if known). If desired the crash can be
reported electronically; or
(ii)
no
one is injured but a vehicle requires to be towed from the scene, the drivers
are required to exchange their details (as above) and submit a traffic crash report to the Queensland Police Service;
or
(iii)
no
one is injured, but one of the drivers is won’t provide their details, does not
have a licence or is affected by alcohol or drugs, police should be advised by
calling Policelink on 131 444 or 000 in emergencies; or
(iv)
a
person is injured or dies in the incident, police are to be advised immediately
by calling Policelink on 131 444 or 000 in emergencies.
Non-injury traffic crashes can be reported
to police by submitting an electronic report through a smartphone app or
through the Queensland Police Service website.
The app can be downloaded for free and can be used for many purposes,
including reporting crimes and traffic crashes, providing photos to police of
suspicious behaviour, locating a police station, or receiving up to date
information through the newsfeed. The
smartphone app can be downloaded for free at https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/policelink/.
Naturally, it is better to be a
considerate driver and avoid accidents in the first place!
