When a GSA Fleet vehicle is involved in an accident where there is personal injury to third party or damage to the third party's property, the third party or their representative may make a claim against the government. (Note: The claim is against the agency invloved in the accident and not GSA Fleet.) The agency should attempt to settle the claim administratively, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 2672. The vehicle operator will make every effort to ensure that the third party completes the SF95, Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death, and submits it to the agency. As a recommendation, submit a copy of the police report along with the SF95 and any witness statements. If the vehicle driver does not have the information on where to submit the claim, contact Marty Kahn for assistance at martin.kahn@gsa.gov

Drivers who are distracted by talking on a cell phone or dialing numbers while they are driving are causing more and more accidents. Some municipalities have banned using cell phones while driving because it has caused such a major problem. If it's necessary to talk while driving, the safest way is to have a hands-free cell phone cradle installed in the car which offers the ability to speak while driving with two hands. Even so, remember to stay aware of what is going on around the vehicle and on the road. It's easy to get so engrossed in conversation that an exit is missed or something other drivers are doing goes unnoticed. Better yet, wait until arriving at a destination or pull over to the side of the road to begin cell phone conversations.

Driving in bad weather is a major cause of accidents. When driving, particularly on a long trip, make sure to stay tuned to radio reports about weather conditions. Upon hearing that an ice storm, hurricane, tornado, flood, hail, or other severe weather is expected on the chosen route or intended destination, change travel plans. Any reason for going on the trip cannot be as important as keeping safe. If already in an area that is being hit by bad weather, don't try to drive out of it. Seek shelter for both and wait for the storm to pass.

Increasingly crowded highways and traffic backups cause many drivers to lose control and become extremely aggressive. Upon encountering an aggressive driver: Don't challenge them, and stay as far away as possible. Consider taking down their license plate number and reporting their behavior to police so they won't hurt themselves or someone else.

Thousands of unsuspecting motorists are carjacked every year. To minimize the danger of being carjacked: 1. Think of saving your life first. Only then, think of the car and what's in it. 2. If another car bumps your car, stay inside with the windows shut and the door locked and drive to the nearest police or fire station. 3. Don't stop at isolated pay phones, cash machines or newspaper machines where that may facilitate becoming a carjacking victim. 4. Stay alert to people lurking near or moving toward the parked car. 5. Always keep the windows of your car shut and doors locked, whether in or out of the car. 6. Park only in well-lighted areas. To prevent the car from being stolen: 1. When leaving personal property in the car, leave it in the trunk. 2. Keep the vehicle in a garage (if possible) and lock the garage door. If the car is stolen, have the following information to give to the police: Year, make, model and color of the car, as well as the vehicle G tag number. Also, the approximate time the car was stolen. A description of anyone you may have seen loitering around the car before it was stolen can also be helpful. If possible, the names of any witnesses that may have been in the area at the time the vehicle was stolen.

GSA Fleet vehicles should be stored and parked at locations that provide protection from pilferage and damage. For example, well lit areas, fenced areas, and government operated vehicles (GOVs) segregated from public operated vehicles (POVs). The agency is responsible for the cost of parking and storing GSA Fleet vehicles. Individual operators are financially and legally responsible for any fines and fees arising from traffic or parking violations.

Officials, employees, and contractors responsible for the operation of GSA Fleet vehicles should drive to prevent and avoid crashes. However, vehicle operators involved in a crash should follow the guidance in the GSA Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Kit, GSA Form 1627, located in the vehicle. GSA Fleet publication, "A Guide to your GSA Fleet Vehicle." also located in the vehicle, obtained from your servicing FMC.

The agency employing the operator must investigate a crash, i.e., complete required documentation and promptly report its findings to the AMC within five business days. Any crash involving a fatality should be reported to the servicing FMC and AMC within 24 hours. The agency should provide two copies of the complete report of investigation, including (when applicable): photographs, measurements, doctors' certificates of bodily injuries, police report, operator's statements, agency investigation report, SF 94 (witness statements), the SF 91 (Motor Vehicle Accident Report), and any other pertinent information to the AMC.

The federal government is a self-insurer. While operating a GSA Fleet vehicle in an authorized official capacity, an Executive Branch employee is covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Native American Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal contractors authorized to use GSA Fleet vehicles to perform contracts or agreements under the Indian Self-Determination Act while acting within their scope of employment are considered to be part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, or Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Activities covered by the Act are not required to obtain liability insurance to use GSA Fleet vehicles. All other eligible users (e.g., cost reimbursable contractors, fixed price contractors, members of the legislative and Judicial branches of the U.S. Government, etc.) must obtain insurance that meets the requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulations 51.202 and the locality in which the vehicles are garaged.