Information in Case of Accident or Breakdown

In Case of an Accident

  • “Accidents” aren’t only incidents of serious damage to vehicles or property or injury. When it comes to Dwight Hall vehicles, any incident in which the vehicle comes into contact with anything outside the vehicle is considered an accident. This could include the vehicle hitting an object or a person, an object or person hitting a parked or moving vehicle, a smashed window, etc. All accidents require the driver to call the police as soon as possible to file a police report even if damage is minor and there is no apparent injury.
  • For emergencies, call 911
  • For Yale Police, call 203 432 4400
  • In case of an accident, the first step is to make sure everyone involved is physically okay.
  • It is best if the vehicle can be moved off or to the side of the road.  If not, the drivers and passengers need to get out of the car and as far off the road as possible to prevent any injury from secondary accidents.
  • If someone is injured, they shouldn’t be moved until first responders arrive unless leaving them in the vehicle would endanger their lives (i.e. a fire develops). 
  • If the vehicle needs to be towed, the police can often help make the necessary arrangements. If in the New Haven area, Dwight Hall recommends York Towing 203 562 2121. If the car can still be driven, please return it to garage once the police allow it. 
  • Make sure that a police report is filed and note the report number and the officer’s name/badge number. A police report is needed no matter what kind of accident it is. If the car is towed, note the towing company’s name as well.
  • Do not admit fault. The police and/or the insurance company will determine responsibility.
  • Any accidents must be reported to the Dwight Hall as soon as possible. Call 203 432 2420 and leave a message if no one answers. Provide as much information about the incident as possible.
  • During evenings and weekends during the academic year, please call the after-hours line (203 747 8545) for assistance.
  • Email the Office of Risk Management at risk.management@yale.edu ASAP with information on the accident, including driver name, vehicle information, date, time and location of the accident, a description of what happened and the name and contact information for any other parties involved.
  • Dwight Hall staff will help coordinate with the Office of Risk Management and the insurance company as needed.
  • Drivers who are found to be at fault for an accident may lose their Dwight Hall driving privileges.

In Case of Breakdown or Other Maintenance Issues

  • If a vehicle is not operating properly (unusual noises acceleration or braking issues, etc.) or if a warning light comes on the dashboard, do not continue to drive. Immediately pull over to a safe area and contact Dwight Hall 203 432 2420 and/or the after-hours line XXX XXX XXXX.
  • Various roadside assistance options are available for different Dwight Hall vehicles.
  • For “Octavia”, “Rena” and “Wall-E”: Toyota Roadside Assistance is available 1 800 842 0071
  • For “Jean”, “Jerry” and “The Lorax”: Roadside assistance is available through Holman 1 800 CAR CARE (1 800 227 2273).