What do you do if you, hypothetically, hit a sign and damaged it while driving? That’s not a question most people are expecting, but it is an occurrence that happens. Roadside accidents can happen to the best of us, and sometimes traffic signs can end up as the victims. What exactly are the proper procedures in a circumstance like this?

Take a deep breath.
There may be a wave of anxiety that hits you if you’re involved in an accident. It’s okay to collect your thoughts and take a few minutes to breathe. Before you exit your vehicle to assess the damage, recenter yourself. If it’s safe to do so, you may exit the car or move your vehicle to a safe spot.

Do not leave!
Hitting a sign and driving away is illegal and can result in a misdemeanor. Traffic signs are vital because they work to keep a safe flow of traffic. If a sign is not replaced, it can result in an accident for another driver.

Make contact with a public official.
Reach out to the public works or transportation office of the city where the accident occurred. In some states, you can also contact the DMV. If you can’t reach someone at the DMV, dialing 911 may be the best move to get the sign fixed immediately. Do not be afraid to call the emergency line, especially for stop signs.

Taking the necessary steps to report a down sign helps keep pedestrians and drivers safe. Reaching out to the correct officials also supports the local government to fix the damage quickly. When in doubt, just reach out! Be patient with this process; if you can’t locate the correct office to call, there is usually someone who would be happy to help.