Accident Kit (Glovebox)

Updated Aug 28, 2025

Disclaimer

This resource is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Trucking Comply is not the FMCSA and does not speak for any government agency. Regulations and policies change; always verify current requirements on official FMCSA and state websites and follow your company’s safety/compliance policies. You are responsible for your own compliance.

What to do, what to photograph, and the forms you need — print and keep in your truck.

If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Your safety comes first. Move to a safe location if able.

Accident Kit (Glovebox)

1) Immediate actions (at the scene)

Protect the scene: Turn on hazard flashers. Set warning triangles as required by FMCSA §392.22 (as soon as possible, within 10 minutes). General rule: one ~10 ft to the rear on traffic side; two ~100 ft behind and 100 ft ahead (adjust for divided highways, hills/curves).
Check for injuries and call 911. Do not move the seriously injured unless they are in danger.
If drivable, move to shoulder or a safe location if permitted by state law; otherwise, stay put and make the scene visible.
Don’t admit fault. Stick to facts. Be polite and cooperate with law enforcement.
If hauling hazmat: Follow your company’s emergency plan and shipping papers; relay UN/NA number and placard to first responders.

2) What to say (quick script)

To other parties: “Are you okay? Let’s call 911. Let’s exchange information.”

To law enforcement/insurer: Provide facts only (who/what/where/when). Avoid opinions and blame.

3) Photo & video checklist

Overall scene from multiple angles (show lanes, traffic signals/signs, skid marks, debris field, weather/lighting).
Each vehicle — all four sides, close‑ups of damage, license plates, VIN stickers if accessible, and USDOT/Company markings.
Positions before moving (if safe), then final positions after moving.
Roadway evidence — skid marks, fluid trails, gouges, guardrail/curb contact.
Cargo & securement (doors, straps, seals, load shift, fallen freight).
Injuries only if appropriate and non‑invasive; prioritize privacy and dignity.
Nearby cameras (businesses, traffic cams) — note locations for later request.

Bonus: Place a familiar object (glove, cone) in close‑ups for scale.

4) Exchange information (fill this out)

Other Driver/Party

Name
Phone
Address
Driver’s License # & State:
Vehicle Year/Make/Model & Color
Plate #
State
VIN
Insurance Co
Policy #

Your Vehicle

Unit #
Tractor VIN
Trailer #
Company Name
USDOT
MC
Cargo/Load #
Bill of Lading #

Officer/Report

Agency
Officer
Badge
Report #
Tow Company

5) Witness information

Name
Phone
Address/Email
Statement (facts only)

6) Driver incident notes (facts only)

Date
Time
City/State
Weather/Lighting
Direction/Speed
What happened (factual timeline)

Diagram the scene: Use phone photos, and sketch lane lines, signals, and vehicle rest positions here.

7) Post‑accident DOT testing (owner‑ops & fleets)

DOT testing may be required for CDL drivers after certain crashes. Your company/consortium will coordinate collection. Keep driver available until released.

Alcohol test window: attempt within 2 hours; stop attempts after 8 hours (document reason if delayed).
Drug test window: attempt ASAP; stop attempts after 32 hours (document reason).
Driver must not consume alcohol for 8 hours after an accident that requires an alcohol test (or until tested).
Law‑enforcement tests (breath/blood/urine) can satisfy DOT if results are obtained by the employer.

Quick rule table (CDL/CMV on public road):

Human fatality: Test required (alcohol & drugs) for each surviving driver.
Injury with immediate medical treatment away from scene: Test if driver receives a moving‑violation citation (alcohol: citation within 8 hrs; drugs: citation within 32 hrs).
Tow‑away (disabling damage requiring tow): Test if driver receives a moving‑violation citation (same time limits).
Not DOT‑testable: Boarding/alighting only; loading/unloading only; employer operating only a passenger car/non‑placarded multipurpose passenger vehicle (see your policy for non‑DOT testing).

8) After the scene (office follow‑up)

Accident Register (keep 3 years): record date, city/state, driver, # injuries, # fatalities, hazmat release (other than fuel), and brief description.
Notify insurance & company safety. Save photos, ELD logs, DVIRs, repair/tow invoices, and police report.
DataQs (if needed): If report contains errors, prepare supporting documents to challenge.

9) What to keep in your glovebox kit

3 reflective triangles (or permitted flares), high‑viz vest, flashlight.
Disposable gloves, basic first‑aid items, glass marker/pen, measuring tape.
This Accident Kit, blank paper, and a spare phone charger.

Company Box (fill before you drive)

24/7 safety contact:
C/TPA testing contact: