WHAT TO DO AFTER A COLLISION AND HOW TO TRANSPORT FIREARMS

On August 3rd I participated in National Night Out and attended several block parties. National Night Out is always a successful event and opens lines of communication between the Woodland Police Department and the community. I was asked by a community member to discuss in an installment of The Traffic Stop the proper way to transport firearms in a vehicle and what to do in the event of a traffic collision.

First I will cover the question of what to do when involved in a collision. I will assume for purposes of this article we are talking about a minor collision where none of the involved parties are injured. Let me start by suggesting contacting the police. Police departments use statistical data from collisions for enforcement deployment; grant funding, and traffic engineering. Officers in Woodland are directed to complete traffic collision reports when collisions occur on city streets. Officers will assist in collecting the required information, complete a report, and facilitate the proper exchange of information between drivers.

At a minimum a driver involved in a collision is required to, upon request, exchange the information located on their driver license and vehicle registration card as well as insurance information. If the registered owner of the vehicle was not the driver but was present at the collision, upon request, the registered owner is required to provide the information included on their driver license. Some agencies do not respond to minor collisions where no injuries have occurred. Most insurance companies provide policy holders with a form that will cover all relevant information needed for insurance companies to complete the claim process.

If a driver is involved in a collision with property or a parked vehicle the driver is required to immediately contact the owner or leave a written note conspicuously placed on the damaged vehicle or property. The note shall include the name and address of the driver and registered owner of the vehicle and an explanation of the circumstances of the collision. The driver is also required to immediately notify the local law enforcement agency of the collision.

The text of the laws explaining the requirements of a driver involved in a collision can be found in Vehicle Code Sections 20001 through 20010.

When discussing the manner in which firearms are transported, a few things must be known about the firearm. A concealable firearm is any firearm that has an overall length of less than 26 inches OR a barrel length of less than 18 inches OR both. When transporting a concealable firearm in a vehicle, generally a handgun, the firearm must be contained in a locked container and unloaded. The trunk of a vehicle can be used as a locked container but the glove box cannot.

A locked container is defined as any secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. Many versions of secure containers are available at sporting goods stores or online. Many handguns come in plastic cases that allow for a padlock to be used to secure the case. The law affecting the transportation of a concealable firearm also requires that the concealable firearm also be contained in a locked container while transporting the firearm to or from a vehicle. Non-concealable firearms are not required be in a locked container during transport but must be unloaded.

When discussing the storage of firearms safety is paramount. The Children’s Firearm Accident Prevention Act of 1991 makes storage of a firearm where a child obtains the firearm and uses it in an improper manner a crime punishable by fine or imprisonment. Safety measures to prevent firearm accidents while stored include unloading the firearm, storing the firearm in a locked container, using a trigger or gun locks, and storing ammunition separate from the firearm. The Woodland Police Department has a supply of gun locks that are free to the public. The gun locks are available at the front counter of the police department. Do not bring a firearm to the police department to have a gun lock installed as our front office staff is not trained for the task.

In addition to safe and secure storage it is helpful for an individual to keep a log of all serial numbers of firearms they own. If a firearm is stolen law enforcement agencies have access to a nationwide database where the information can be entered and tracked if recovered.

To view additional information about firearm safety and safe driving tips visit The Traffic Stop by going to www.woodlandpolice.org.