Crashes, deer and police stops

Key points

1. Stop at the crash scene, help the injured if needed, and notify emergency authorities.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “Stop vehicle at the scene of the crash or as close as possible. Assist the injured if aid is necessary or requested and notify emergency authorities.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 73

2. Do not leave the crash scene until released by proper authorities.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “Do not leave the scene of the crash until released by proper authorities.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 73

3. Send a crash report within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to one person's property reaches $1,500, unless police investigated.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “within ten (10) days if any person is injured or killed, or damage to the property of any one person to an apparent extent that equals or exceeds $1,500”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 73

4. The report goes on NDOT Form 41.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “The report must be submitted on NDOT Form 41,”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 73

5. If you are about to hit a deer, brake firmly, steer to keep control, and stop as safely as possible.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “If you are about to hit a deer, your safest action is to BRAKE (firmly), STEER (to maintain control) and STOP (as safely as possible).”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

6. When police lights appear behind you, signal and pull to the side as soon as it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Activate your turn signal and pull off or to the side of the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

7. During the stop, keep your hands on the steering wheel or somewhere visible.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “Keep your hands on the steering wheel or in a visible location so they are easily observable.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. On what form must a Nebraska driver's crash report be submitted when police did not investigate?

   1. NDOT Form 41, available from law enforcement or online
   2. An insurance claim form
   3. Any written letter
   4. No report is needed without police
   Show answer

   NDOT Form 41, available from law enforcement or online. If a law enforcement officer investigated the crash, the officer submits the report; otherwise the driver's report must be submitted on NDOT Form 41, available through state and local law enforcement or downloaded and filed electronically through the Nebraska Department of Transportation crash reporting page. Failure to report can lead to suspension of the driving privilege, so file it promptly after any qualifying crash.

2. 2. If a deer is about to enter your path, what sequence does Nebraska recommend?

   1. Turn off the headlights and continue at the same speed
   2. Swerve sharply into oncoming traffic before braking
   3. Accelerate and leave the roadway to pass behind the deer
   4. Brake firmly, steer to maintain control, and stop as safely as possible
   Show answer

   Brake firmly, steer to maintain control, and stop as safely as possible. Nebraska's deer guidance prioritizes control over a sudden evasive swerve. If impact is about to occur, brake firmly, steer to maintain control, and stop as safely as possible. Swerving into oncoming traffic or off the roadway can produce a more serious crash, while acceleration reduces the time available to respond. Slow in marked deer caution zones, watch from dusk to dawn and near wooded or water areas, and remember that deer often travel in groups. Keep the seat belt fastened before the risk appears.

3. 3. What should a driver do when emergency lights appear behind the vehicle?

   1. Follow the emergency vehicle closely to pass traffic
   2. Stop immediately in the travel lane
   3. Turn off all lights and continue until the next town
   4. Activate the turn signal and pull to the side when safe
   Show answer

   Activate the turn signal and pull to the side when safe. The driver should remain calm, signal, and move off or to the side of the roadway as soon as doing so is safe. Stopping in the travel lane can block the responding vehicle, while hiding the vehicle or following it creates additional danger. The instruction is not to make an abrupt maneuver without checking traffic. Signal early, choose a safe place, and cooperate with the emergency response.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 7: If You're Involved in a Crash. 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.