Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on dealing with flash for cash scams.
Crash for cash scams are staged collisions. The one to watch for is when someone deliberately flashes you to dupe you into thinking they are giving way and then driving into the side of your vehicle. This makes it very difficult for the other driver to prove that they were given way to turn into the road, and allows the other party to make an exaggerated insurance claim.
How to avoid them:
- Always look ahead and anticipate hazards, so you aren’t “cornered” into a crash you can’t avoid.
- If someone flashes you to invite you out of a junction, thank them but don’t go – wait until the road is clear for you to progress.
- If you are involved in one, remember:
- If you’re suspicious, don’t ask them directly about it at the scene but keep careful notes.
- Try to take photos of the damage to all vehicles, discreetly if possible.
- Get a description of the driver and count the number of people in the other vehicle. Take photos, discreetly if possible, of all the people in the vehicle.
- If you need the emergency services, call 999, and if you are suspicious about the incident, tell the police when you ring.
- Stay calm. You’ll need to swap details with other drivers whatever happens.
IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Flash for cash scams are costing millions of pounds through our insurance premiums, and some are so reckless that they risk lives. Collisions are stressful and emotionally draining, but it’s important to be prepared in case you are involved in one.”
“Make sure you drive carefully to minimise your chances of having to deal with a collision.”
Notes:
1. Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner
2. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.