Pub. 3 Issue 4

23 SPRING 2016 stantly reiterate: “All test drives must be safe and within posted speed limits.” ACCIDENT 5: A customer on a test drive pulled out of the dealership and took a left turn going beyond the double yellow line. A driver was coming down a hill in the lane closest to the dealership and collided with the dealership vehicle. While the driver coming down the hill was charged with driving at a high speed, the dealership was questioned regarding the test drive route. SOLUTION: Draw a test drive route and review with sales staff. Use a route that involves protected rights, if possible. Al- ways ask the salesperson to take the car out of the dealership and exchange seats with the customer (with keys removed from ignition) at a safe stop. ACCIDENTS Proper documentation is a must. At times, it maymake the difference between being held liable or not. To ensure that accidents are properly documented, we have provided an accident to-do list that must be completed by dealership staff in the event of an accident. A copy has been circulated to clients. DOCUMENTS Test drive training of sales staff should include a review of documents as follows: • Demo Drive Safety Training Pro- gram • Driver License Information Form & Privacy Issues • Safe Driving Tips • Demo Drive Route Map (to be pre- pared by Sales Manager)  Sam has been helping automobile dealers comply with EPA & OSHA regulations since 1987. Sam is the past-Chair of the Law Committee & the Environmental Issues Committee of the AIHA and currently the President of the Southern California AIHA. Sam has a BE & MS in Chemical Engineering followed by a JD from Southwestern University School of Law. Send your comments to sam@ cellyservices.com. 1. If safe to do so, move your vehicle to a safe location away from flow of traffic. 2. Turn off ignition and apply the emergency brakes. Activate the emergency lights on your vehicle. 3. Make sure it is safe to leave your vehicle. If not, exit from the passenger side. 4. Place warning triangles (if available) behind your vehicle. 5. Determine your location using street names, intersections, and/or landmarks (for example, a 7-11 store). 6. Call 911. Determine if there are injuries and call for the para- medics if needed. 7. Obtain information from all drivers involved as follows: • Driver Information 1. Name 2. Address 3. Driver’s License Number (including state and date of expi - ration) • Insurance Information 1. Name of Company 2. NAIC Number 3. Policy Number 4. Date of Expiration • Vehicle Information 1. Make 2. Model 3. Year 8. Take photos and draw a picture of the accident scene. Stick to the facts and don’t jump to conclusions. Document informa - tion as follows: • Damage to Other Vehicles (or load) • Road/Weather Conditions • Point of Impact on Each Vehicle • Street Layout (include orientation: North, South, East, or West) • Tire Marks (if any) • Broken Glass Trails (if any) 9. Complete accident report (see attached). 10. Call at least one of your managers on their cell phone as fol- lows: • Parts Manager • Service Manager • General Manager * Note: Do not discuss accident details with anyone except dealership management, dealership insurance agent, or law enforcement. 11. Get an alcohol/drug test, if requested. ACCIDENT TO-DO LIST To Be Retained in All Company Vehicles