After a crash and vehicle emergencies

Key points

1. After a crash with death, injury or property damage, the law requires you to give information and render aid, and to stay calm.

   Source: Handbook p. 77

   “to give information and render aid. Always remain calm.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 77

2. If the crash is minor and your car is blocking traffic, you must move it or have it moved.

   Source: Handbook p. 77

   “If the crash is minor and your vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic, you must move it or have it moved.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 77

3. If there is damage but no police report is required, report the crash to FLHSMV in writing within 10 days.

   Source: Handbook p. 77

   “If the crash results in vehicle or property damage and does not require a law enforcement report, you must make a written report of the crash to FLHSMV within 10 days.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 77

4. Leaving a crash scene that results in death is a first degree felony with a minimum 4-year prison term.

   Source: Handbook p. 77

   “Death: 1st degree felony, minimum 4-year prison term.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 77

5. If your car breaks down, park where it can be seen for 200 feet in each direction if possible.

   Source: Handbook p. 78

   “If possible, park where the disabled vehicle can be seen for 200 feet in each direction.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 78

6. After a blowout, do not brake. Concentrate on steering, slow down gradually and brake softly once in control.

   Source: Handbook p. 80

   “Do not use the brakes. 2. Concentrate on steering. 3. Slow down gradually. 4. Brake softly when the car is under control.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 80

7. If the gas pedal jams, take your foot off it and press the clutch or shift into neutral.

   Source: Handbook p. 79

   “Take your foot of the gas pedal. 2. Press the clutch (manual transmission) or shift into neutral (automatic transmission).”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 79

8. In a skid, take your foot off the gas, avoid braking if possible and steer in the direction of the skid.

   Source: Handbook p. 79

   “Take your foot off the gas pedal. 2. Do not use your brakes, if possible. 3. Turn the vehicle’s front tires in the direction you want to go (steer in the direction of the skid).”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 79

9. If a train is coming while you are stalled, run at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks toward the train.

   Source: Handbook p. 80

   “If a train is coming, run in a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, but in a direction toward the train;”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 80

10. Never put water on a gasoline or diesel fire.

    Source: Handbook p. 79

    “NEVER apply water to a gasoline or diesel fire.”
    Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 79

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Florida practice test

1. 1. What is the first required action after a crash involving death, injury, or property damage?

   1. Stop and call 911, FHP, or local law enforcement
   2. Wait for another driver to call for help
   3. Exchange information only if fault is admitted
   4. Leave the scene and report it later
   Show answer

   Stop and call 911, FHP, or local law enforcement. After a crash involving death, injury, or property damage, the handbook directs the driver to stop and call 911, FHP, or local law enforcement first. Leaving the scene creates a separate legal problem, and waiting for another driver can delay medical or traffic assistance. Exchanging information is also required during the later crash steps, but it is not a substitute for stopping and reporting the event. Turn on hazard lights, get immediate help for anyone hurt, and remain calm while following the remaining reporting and information duties.

2. 2. What should you do if the gas pedal remains down?

   1. Switch off the engine immediately at highway speed
   2. Pump the accelerator until it releases
   3. Pull the parking brake sharply before steering
   4. Shift into neutral and steer to a safe place
   Show answer

   Shift into neutral and steer to a safe place. With a jammed accelerator, remove your foot from the pedal, shift an automatic transmission into neutral, use controlled braking, and steer to a safe place. Turning off the engine immediately can remove steering ability, and pumping the pedal does not follow the emergency sequence. A sharp parking brake application can cause a loss of control. Once stopped safely, address the mechanical problem and obtain help rather than continuing into traffic with the defect.

3. 3. If a vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is coming, what should occupants do first?

   1. Remain inside with the doors locked until the crossing clears
   2. Push the vehicle from the tracks while standing beside the rails
   3. Get everyone out immediately and move away from the car
   4. Call for help before allowing anyone to leave the vehicle
   Show answer

   Get everyone out immediately and move away from the car. A stalled vehicle on tracks creates an immediate life-threatening hazard. The handbook directs everyone to exit immediately and get away from the car, rather than treating the vehicle as shelter or spending the first moments trying to move it. Calling for help is important, but it follows the urgent evacuation when a train is approaching. Staying beside the rails while pushing also leaves people in the danger area. The cue is the combination of stalled car and train: leave first, move clear, then contact emergency services.

Source: the Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handling Emergencies. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.