JESSICA MARIE RYAN
Installation Management Command-Europe

No matter where you are in the world, getting into a car accident can be a stressful experience. When driving in another country, it is important to know the laws to maximize the safety and security of all parties involved, especially in the event of an accident.

According to the military police at U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, U.S. personnel in Belgium should follow these instructions if they are involved in a car accident in the country:

• Before driving in Belgium, U.S. personnel must have a valid U.S. stateside driver's license in addition to a SHAPE driver's license. To drive in other countries in Europe, U.S. personnel can also obtain an international driver's license through their commune's city hall. More information on the application process is located at https://home.army.mil/benelux/index.php/my-fort/all-services/drivers-licenses.


• U.S. personnel should keep a copy of their vehicle registration; contrôle technique, or CT, certificate; insurance card (known as the “green card” in Belgium); and accident report form, provided by their insurance company, in their car. According to the country's laws, all vehicles in Belgium should have a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, reflective vests and warning triangles. These items should be readily accessible to the driver.


• In the event of an accident, all vehicles involved should immediately move to the side of the road and away from traffic. People should get out of the vehicles, put on their safety vests and place warning triangles in front and behind the vehicle. If people are badly injured, call 112 for emergency services.


• U.S. personnel should then call the SHAPE federal police at +32(0)65-443334. The police can go to the scene of the accident and assist with language translations between the drivers and file a report. If the SHAPE federal police cannot go to the location, they can contact local police for assistance or translate conversations over the phone.


• In the U.S., drivers are advised to exchange contact and insurance information during an accident. In Belgium, the drivers may fill out an accident report form at the scene of the accident. Known as a "gentleman's agreement," the form should be completed by both parties in their native language. If there are translation issues, the police can assist the drivers with completing the form. For those who do not possess the form, they should contact their insurance company to get a copy. In addition to completing the report, people are encouraged to take photos of the vehicles' damage for evidence. Afterward, both parties should send their copy of the accident form to the insurance company to start the claims process.

Even though getting into a car accident is a stressful experience, it is important to remain calm and follow instructions by the police. For more information about driver safety in Belgium, please contact the Driver's Testing Station (SHAPE Building 220) at DSN 366-6603 or +32(0)65-32-6603.