AZDOT Accident Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching the scene of a crash on an Arizona highway, which of the following are you legally required to do?
- Slow down and move over to an adjacent lane if possible (Correct answer)
- Stop and offer assistance regardless of traffic conditions
- Keep your current speed to avoid disrupting traffic flow
- Honk to warn other drivers and continue at speed
Correct answer: Slow down and move over to an adjacent lane if possible
Arizona's Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and, when possible, move to a non-adjacent lane when passing crash scenes or emergency vehicles.
Question 2: What should you do if your vehicle becomes disabled after a crash and cannot be moved from a highway lane?
- Turn on hazard lights and place warning devices to alert oncoming traffic (Correct answer)
- Stand behind the vehicle to flag down other drivers
- Turn on only the headlights and wait inside
- Push the vehicle across the median to the other side
Correct answer: Turn on hazard lights and place warning devices to alert oncoming traffic
Hazard lights and warning triangles or flares placed at proper distances alert approaching drivers and reduce the risk of secondary collisions.
Question 3: Under Arizona law, which crashes require you to immediately notify law enforcement?
- Any crash resulting in injury, death, or apparent property damage of $2,000 or more (Correct answer)
- Only crashes involving two or more vehicles
- Only crashes on state highways or interstates
- Only crashes where airbags deploy
Correct answer: Any crash resulting in injury, death, or apparent property damage of $2,000 or more
Arizona requires immediate law enforcement notification for any crash involving injury, death, or property damage that appears to meet or exceed the $2,000 threshold.
Question 4: After a collision, you present your insurance information to the other driver. Which document satisfies this requirement?
- Your current insurance identification card showing policy details (Correct answer)
- A verbal confirmation of your insurer's name
- A photocopy of last year's policy renewal notice
- Your credit card used to pay premiums
Correct answer: Your current insurance identification card showing policy details
Arizona law requires you to provide a valid insurance identification card or other written proof of current financial responsibility.
Question 5: Why is it important NOT to admit fault at the scene of a crash in Arizona?
- Fault is a legal determination that should be left to investigators and insurers (Correct answer)
- Admitting fault immediately releases you from further liability
- Arizona law prohibits any communication between drivers at crash scenes
- Admissions at the scene are always inadmissible in court
Correct answer: Fault is a legal determination that should be left to investigators and insurers
Admitting fault before a full investigation may be used against you legally and could conflict with the official determination of liability.
Question 6: If an injured person is trapped in a vehicle after a crash and you are not a trained rescuer, you should:
- Call 911 and keep the person calm unless immediate danger like fire requires moving them (Correct answer)
- Pull the person out immediately to prevent further injury
- Do nothing and wait for professionals without calling for help
- Administer first aid only after you have moved them to safety
Correct answer: Call 911 and keep the person calm unless immediate danger like fire requires moving them
Moving a crash victim can worsen spinal injuries; leave extraction to trained responders unless the vehicle poses an immediate life-threatening hazard such as fire.
Question 7: What is the purpose of placing reflective triangles or flares after a crash on a highway?
- To warn approaching drivers of the hazard and prevent secondary crashes (Correct answer)
- To mark ownership of the vehicles involved
- To signal to aircraft that a crash has occurred
- To fulfill insurance documentation requirements
Correct answer: To warn approaching drivers of the hazard and prevent secondary crashes
Warning devices alert drivers well in advance of the crash scene, giving them time to slow down and change lanes to avoid additional collisions.
AZDOT Accident Procedures 3
When approaching the scene of a crash on an Arizona highway, which of the following are you legally required to do?