Increase Penalties for Leaving Accident Scenes

Posted by Joe Vandal
November 15, 2006

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According to a recent KIDK 3 report, 20% of DUIs are hit-and-run because the offenders know they will get much less punishment for leaving the scene than for getting a DUI, especially if they already have DUIs on their record.


While we cannot prove if they were drunk, it’s time to dramatically increase the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident. If we think philosophically about it, it is one of the most irresponsible acts someone can do when driving their vehicle.

I would propose suspending their license for a year, a hefty fine of $10,000, 100 hours of roadside litter pickup duty, and jail time of at least 30 days. If the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident are as high or higher than for getting a DUI, we will have fewer people leaving the scenes of accidents.

Which local legislator will introduce this bill in January?

Ethics, Irony, Open Sores

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