Those unaccustomed to snow-covered streets found themselves sliding sideways into curbs, gliding wide-eyed past stop signs and fishtailing closer and closer to the brake lights in front of them Friday as snow blanketed the valley.

Unfortunately, dozens of drivers slid their cars right into another object.

Now what do they do?

Medford police Lt. Mike Moran said drivers don’t always know when they have to report a crash, especially if it’s a fender-bender.

In Oregon, drivers must file a report if an accident results in any injury or in any damage over $1,500, Moran said.

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Lt. Tim George said if a driver in a collision breaks only a headlight, for example, he likely would not be required to file a report with DMV.

"I don’t think that’s $1,500 if you broke a headlight," he said. "But if you go head-on into a utility pole, there’s going to be damage. Probably to the power pole, too."

Accident reports must be turned into Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services within 72 hours of the incident. "Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report" forms are available at DMV offices or online.

Moran said if one party turns in an accident form and the other doesn’t but was required to, the second party’s driver’s license could be suspended.

Ed Chun, insurance agent with Farmers Insurance in Medford, said if drivers damage their own car — by running into another car or object — it’s considered a collision. Drivers who have collision coverage may file a claim to repair their vehicle. But some drivers only have liability insurance, which covers damage inflicted to the other car or object.

"If you damaged the telephone pole, then your liability kicks in," he said.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle not covered by collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism.

"If you had your car parked and a big tree limb that was weighted with snow hit your car, that’d be a comp claim," he said.

More than two dozen crashes occurred in under two hours Friday morning in Medford. George said "flatlanders" don’t know how to drive in the snow.

"I think people in Medford need to learn to relax and slow down," said George.

Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail mlanders@mailtribune.com.

If you’re in a traffic crash in Oregon, you must file an "Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report" with Driver and Motor Vehicle Services if: