Discovering the U.S.

Page 26

When Involved in an Automobile Crash

If you are in a traffic accident involving only your car, call your insurance company immediately

and describe the circumstances and the damage. If there is another car involved, injuries,

considerable damage, or if your car has damaged others’ property, stop and remain at the

scene while dialing 911. If there were witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact

information. Then exchange names, addresses, and registration and insurance information with

the other drivers involved. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the accident,

but do not leave the scene of the accident as it may result in fines or imprisonment.

Child Safety Regulations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets out guidelines and suggestions to keep

children safe while traveling in a car. There are different requirements for different ages, each

with their own specific requirement.

Birth-12 Months:

Child should ride in a rear-facing car seat

1-3 Years:

Keep the child rear-facing as long as possible

4-7 Years:

Keep your child in a car seat until the manufacturer label allows for your child

to be in a booster seat

8-12 Years:

Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat

belt properly. Your child should still be riding in the back seat because it’s safer there

Parking

Parking rules can depend on the area you are traveling in. For shorter periods of time, it will be

cheaper to park at a parking meter. Be aware of the time limits posted on the meter. Do not park

in front of fire hydrants; your car will be fined or towed. Ask your Dwellworks Consultant for local

tips and suggestions to navigate complicated parking.

Acquiring a Vehicle

Car Purchase

Expatriates often face challenges in financing car purchases. The ability to obtain car loans from

banking institutions has been increasingly challenging in recent years especially for those

without a U.S. credit history. Car finance opportunities are limited as a result of these

circumstances.

There are a variety of local and national resources to explore when it comes to new or used car

purchase. Local newspapers or newspaper websites frequently advertise car purchase

opportunities. Two reputable national websites include Kelley Blue Book

and

Edmunds

Helpful Hint:

With mobile phones so readily available, it is a wise to take pictures of

the damage on both vehicles, as well as the other driver and their driver’s license.