European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - July 28, 1988, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Summer s heavy traffic in Europe contributes to scenes like this a Multi car crash and a resulting traffic Jam on a West German Highway. A in Case of an by Mary Neth staff writer a screech of brakes followed by the crash of Metal Are sounds that can spoil even the Best planned summer vacation in Europe. Frequently americans involved in traffic accidents overseas do not know what to do or what to expect. In some countries the police May order that the car be towed away. In others they May demand a Cash payment on the spot promptly place the Driver under arrest or totally ignore the whole scene. Before hitting the Road it s a Good idea to know what to expect and whom to Call for help. An insurance Green card proof that the vehicle is adequately insured is a must when crossing any International Border you should get one from your agent when you take out a policy. For added Protection Many travellers buy Short term vacation insurance policies. If you do have an Accident no matter How minor notify the local police. If you fail to report it you May find yourself having problems when you attempt to leave the country. You could even be charged with fleeing the scene of an Accident. Drivers of vehicles registered with the military forces also Are obligated to report the Accident to the military police within 72 hours. Don t depend on the local poll j to do it. If the Driver who was involved in the Accident cannot make the report the owner of the vehicle or another designated member of the . Forces should Contact the military police. Here Are some tips from the adar the German automobile club on what to expect if an Accident occurs in the following european countries Austria Telephone numbers police 133 Accident assistance 144 breakdown help 120. Austria and West Germany basically follow the same routine for reporting accidents. If anyone is injured the police must be called. They also should be asked to come to the scene if there is extensive property damage. In Austria the police May impound a vehicle or demand a Bond if an Accident involves personal injury. Minor property damage for example a Small Dent in the fender can be settled Between the two parties without police intervention. Insurance information should be exchanged at the Accident scene. It s important to avoid admitting responsibility for an Accident at the scene the insurance companies will decide who is at fault. France Telephone numbers police Accident and breakdown assistance 17. Even when there is serious property damage the police won t make an Accident report. That is handled by a Huis sier a private Legal adviser. When there is minor property damage the parties sign a constant amiable which states that they have reached an amiable agreement and no lawsuits will come up in the future. Do not sign any papers if you Hope to seek some sort of restitution later. West Germany Telephone numbers police and ambulance 110. Most major highways have Cal boxes to obtain breakdown assistance. For general guidelines see Austria. Greece Telephone numbers police 100 from Athens 171 breakdown assistance 104. If you have an Accident and fail to notify the police you make yourself liable to criminal charges. You have the right to demand a translator before giving any statement to police. In accidents involving property damage it is up to the person who makes a claim for reimbursement to provide supporting evidence statements from witnesses photographs of the Accident scene Etc. If the Accident involves personal injury it is Wise to hire a lawyer who can represent you in greek court. Italy Telephone numbers police and Accident assistance 113 breakdown assistance 116. The italian police Are not obligated to take Down information concerning accidents involving Only property damage. Copious notes that May be taken by the police have no value in court. Foreigners who so desire can ask for a Dichiara Zione that lists the important Accident facts. Whether or not the Dichiara Zione is provided depends upon the mood of the police. It is very important for the foreign Driver to be in Possession of an International insurance card. Italian motorists often attach a card listing All their pertinent insurance information to their windshields. Spain Telephone numbers police have to be dialled through numbers found in local Telephone books. For accidents that occur within a town Call the Solicia municipal. For accidents that occur outside of towns Contact the Guardia civil de Traico. If you need an ambulance Telephone the Auxilio in Carretero. When an Accident occurs the vehicles or the Legal papers of ownership registration Etc Are often promptly impounded by the police. They can be released Only after a Bond is posted. If a Driver with Spanish insurance is liable for damages to your vehicle the adar recommends having any necessary repair work done in Spain. Spanish insurance companies it notes generally Only Honor about half the amount of the Bill when repair work is done outside the country. The adar also recommends taking out Short term travel insurance for vacations in the Spain. International travel insurance must be carried by motorists entering the country. Switzerland Telephone numbers police emergency Calls 17 or 117 ambulance 144 breakdown assistance 140. The same general rules for reporting accidents apply As in Austria and West Germany. A translator will be provided on demand. 24 stripes Magazine july 28, 1988