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Officials: Take Precautions Following Fender Benders

Last updated on Wednesday, December 3, 2014

(UNDATED) - Now’s the time of year when we see an increase in car accidents that create traffic tie-ups.

Holiday time means even more drivers than usual are out on the roads.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Rich Myers says police reports aren't required for accidents that involve less than $1,000 in damage per vehicle. In fender bender scenarios where no one is hurt, Myers says it's best for motorists to safely take quick cellphone photos of their damage, exchange insurance information and safely move their vehicles out of the way of traffic. He says you might also want to call your insurance company while you're still on the scene, but out of the way of traffic.

Myers says many traffic backups are often the result of gawkers and drivers slowing down or even stopping to look. He says even after crash scenes have been cleaned up, it takes time for traffic to clear up following the accumulated slow down.

Myers says police across the state still respond to accident scenes when they're called out, but it may take some time for them to arrive.

IMPD Lt. Chris Bailey says many car crashes are often the result of texting, driver inattention, speeding or following too closely.

Bailey says after a fender bender, it's best for drivers to get to safety out of traffic flow in a nearby parking lot or side of the road.

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