Va., Md. differ on reporting crashes during extreme weather

February 5, 2010 - 8:53am

Kristi King, wtop.com


WASHINGTON - Emergency responders and snow crews want you to stay off the road during the extreme weather.

But if you do drive and do get into a wreck, you should know Virginia and Maryland have different rules for whether you're required to call police.

Virginia law states you must report a crash. If it's a minor fender bender, move your vehicle off the road if you can.

Virginia State Police also recommend that you not abuse 911 or #77 for non-emergency issues during the snow storm.

In Maryland, police will not write reports on what they call "non-injury, property damage collisions" when vehicles are still drivable. Police say you should get some place safe and exchange addresses, phone numbers and insurance information.

Tag numbers and VIN numbers also are helpful. Write the other person's information in your own handwriting, so you can read it.

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