Some drivers have never been in a collision — some have been in many. In either case, the odds are that you will be in three to four crashes within your lifetime.

There are more than 300,000 traffic crashes in New York state each year. Nationwide there are approximately six million passenger car crashes annually. Crashes are not just possible, they are probable. No driver leaves home and plans to be in a crash, but it’s good to know what to do when it does happen.

If you are in a traffic crash, be reminded of the following: It is a traffic violation to leave the scene of an incident involving property damage, and it is a criminal violation to leave the scene of an incident involving a fatality or personal injury. Even if the crash involves only property damage, you must exchange information with other drivers involved.

Provide your name, address, driver license number, vehicle registration and insurance information, including the insurance policy number and date, to the other driver(s) and to police on the scene. Insurance information should always be carried with your registration.

If a parked vehicle or property other than a vehicle is damaged, you must notify law enforcement. If a domestic animal is injured, you must try to locate the owner or notify the police.

If any person is injured or killed, the police must be notified immediately, and you should make sure ambulance or rescue personnel have been called.

If possible, move your vehicle off the road. Turn on your hazard lights. Protect the scene with reflectors or flares and be alert for any fuel that might leak. Be sure to protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic.

Do not stop at a crash scene unless you are involved, or emergency help has not yet arrived. Otherwise, pay attention to driving and the directions from traffic officers.

If help is not immediately available, do not move an injured person unless it is necessary because of fire or another life-threatening danger. If you do move an injured person, keep the back and neck as straight as possible, putting your arms under the back to support the head and neck with your arms, and pull the person head-first away from danger by gripping his/her clothing.

If there are wires down, do not go near them. If wires are touching the vehicle or near it, warn the occupants to remain in the vehicle until help arrives.

If you are involved in a traffic crash involving a fatality, personal injury, or crash involving $1,000 or more in damage to any one person’s property, you must report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the incident. The form “Report of Motor Vehicle Accident” (MV-104) is available at any motor vehicle office, from most insurance agents, and from the DMV website: www.dmv.ny.gov. Failure to report a crash is a criminal offense (misdemeanor) and can mean the suspension or revocation of your driver license and/or registrations and those of the vehicle owner. If the driver is injured and unable to complete the report, a passenger or the vehicle owner may do so.

You should also document the details of the crash, including pictures if possible.