Being involved in a traffic crash can be stressful and confusing. The Dayton Police Department wants you to know what to do, what to expect from responding officers, and how to exchange information safely and legally.

First and Most Important: Check for Injuries

If you are involved in a crash:

• Check yourself and others for injuries
• If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately
• If vehicles are creating a traffic hazard and can be safely moved, move them out of the roadway

If there is an injury that requires medical transport, officers will complete a formal traffic crash report.

Police Response and Crash Reports

Officers will continue to respond to crash calls to facilitate the exchange of information between drivers and to ensure the scene is safe.

However, under department policy, officers will only complete an Ohio Traffic Crash Report (OH-1) when one or more of the following conditions exist:

• A death or injury requiring transport to a hospital
• A hit and run or an impaired (OVI) driver
• Damage that requires one or more vehicles to be towed

If these conditions are not present, officers will assist at the scene but will not complete a formal crash report.

This approach allows officers to remain available for emergencies while still helping drivers exchange required information.

What Drivers Are Responsible For

Even if a formal crash report is not completed, drivers are still responsible for:

• Exchanging names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Providing driver’s license information
• Providing vehicle registration information
• Providing insurance information

It is recommended that drivers also:

• Take photos of vehicle damage and the scene
• Note the time, date, and location of the crash
• Obtain contact information for any witnesses