Police statistics Leaving the scene of an accident: More than 50 in three days
BONN · The figures are alarming: In 2016, 4,376 drivers left the scene of an accident without worrying about the damage left behind. In 233 cases, there were injuries involved.
It is the high numbers of people fleeing the scene of an accident which concerns Bonn police. Last year, 4,376 persons left the scene of an accident without worrying about the damage. This is roughly one out of every four accidents, says Thomas Giershausen from the Transportation Directorate.
In 233 cases, drivers who fled the accident scene left behind injured persons, 19 of them so badly hurt that they had to go to a hospital. This is a surprisingly high amount, said accident investigator Siegfried Dreibholz. “My personal impression is that the number is growing continuously.” From Monday to Wednesday, this week, for example, there have been more than 50 accidents where drivers left the scene without worrying about damages.
Many who flee are intoxicated
But there is also some positive news: More than 60 percent of the cases are resolved. The success can be mainly attributed to an investigation unit set up in 2011. Officers go out collecting information down to the slightest detail. Even “microscopic traces are detected,” says Alberto Coppola, head of traffic management.
“In the ideal case, someone has noted the license plate,” says Dreibholz. Most accidents are figured out within the first 24 hours; after a week, the chances sink.
There is not one type of person who leaves the scene of the accident; they come from all layers of the population. In addition to alcohol consumption or fear of financial damages, fear of having to tell parents or a partner about having caused an accident also plays a role. “That’s why we get about 20 false reports every month.” People who may have caused the accident report that they are the victims themselves.
Leaving a note is not enough
Punishments await the “real” persons who have caused the accident. Sentences range from a fine to imprisonment. Everyone who leaves the scene without clarifying identification and the circumstances of the accident is considered guilty, according to Copolla. Leaving a note under the windshield wiper does not suffice. One has to try to find the victim and if that is not possible, the police have to be contacted. As well, someone who has caused an accident with minor damage in stationary traffic, must report it to the police within 24 hours. (Orig. text: Ayla Jacob)
