From Wednesday, October 15, police will only be required to attend and investigate crashes if a person is killed or injured, if parties fail to exchange particulars, or if a driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Drivers involved in traffic crashes where their vehicle needs to be towed – and none of the above criteria apply –  will be able to organise their own tow,  leave the area, and later report the crash to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Drivers will no longer need to report minor collisions to police, even for insurance purposes. 

Reports of  minor  traffic crashes – where vehicles do not require towing – will no longer be recorded by police. Police event numbers will not be issued for these incidents.

Police will continue to attend accidents  to direct traffic and deal with hazards or debris on the road, as well as assist with the tow of heavy vehicles.

Currently they attend and investigate where a person is killed or injured; parties fail to exchange particulars; a driver is under the influence; or, a vehicle involved requires towing from the scene.

The changes are intended to reduce red tape and allow police to concentrate on broader road safety initiatives and other investigations. 

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, urged motorists to become familiar with the changes.

“With only one week to go until the changes come into effect, we are strongly urging all motorists to go online to our website and learn what to do in a crash situation – and download an informative ‘flow-chart’ flyer,” he said. 

From next Wednesday, if a vehicle requires towing from the scene and no one is injured or under the influence, and all parties exchange details, the police do not need to be called. 

If motorists exhaust all other options to have their vehicles towed, the Police Assistance Line will be able to provide further guidance and assistance.

A ‘flowchart’ with step-by-step instructions on what to do in a crash will be sent to motorists with registration renewals, which can be kept in the glove box.

For further information, please visit: www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/road_safety