Hit and run accidents are a concern for TJC students
Irving Marmolejo
Section: News
In the past year, the Tyler Police Department received 777 hit and run accident reports. In 2008, the numbers were even higher, with 844 hit and run accidents reported in Tyler alone.
"Many people leave the crime scene without thinking of the consequences of their actions," said Don Martin, the public information Officer of Tyler Police Department.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety the chances of being involved in an automobile accident are higher for people under 24.
Tyler Junior College received 40 reports of parked cars damaged between August and December 2009.
"People 'hit and run' because they think it's the easiest way out. Especially if they do not have car insurance, without knowing they can go to jail for it," said Victor Melchor, State Farm Agent.
In October of 2009, Jessica Reyes' 2000 silver Camaro was hit by another car while she was in class. The other driver fled the scene.
"I did not realize the big dent on my car's right back side until I stopped to get gas on my way back home to Jacksonville," said Reyes.
Reyes reported the incident the next day.
"I understand it was an accident; but, I don't understand why people leave without giving an explanation when it was not even expensive to fix," Reyes said.
Last semester, TJC student Ricky Jackson's car was hit by a woman who identified herself as Britney. The suspect fled the scene after she got out of the car just to look at the damage on her car. He reported the incident later.
"An accident could happen to anyone; but, if you leave without leaving the proper information to the people affected, the consequences are going to be bad," said Martin.
People do not understand that reporting an accident can even be cheaper than leaving and pretending nothing happened. According to Tyler Police Department, a hit and run suspect can be charged with a fine sometimes double the damage or time in jail with felony charges.
"Sometimes the insurance pays for all the damages with only the police report. It's that simple," said Melchor.
"Many people leave the crime scene without thinking of the consequences of their actions," said Don Martin, the public information Officer of Tyler Police Department.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety the chances of being involved in an automobile accident are higher for people under 24.
Tyler Junior College received 40 reports of parked cars damaged between August and December 2009.
"People 'hit and run' because they think it's the easiest way out. Especially if they do not have car insurance, without knowing they can go to jail for it," said Victor Melchor, State Farm Agent.
In October of 2009, Jessica Reyes' 2000 silver Camaro was hit by another car while she was in class. The other driver fled the scene.
"I did not realize the big dent on my car's right back side until I stopped to get gas on my way back home to Jacksonville," said Reyes.
Reyes reported the incident the next day.
"I understand it was an accident; but, I don't understand why people leave without giving an explanation when it was not even expensive to fix," Reyes said.
Last semester, TJC student Ricky Jackson's car was hit by a woman who identified herself as Britney. The suspect fled the scene after she got out of the car just to look at the damage on her car. He reported the incident later.
"An accident could happen to anyone; but, if you leave without leaving the proper information to the people affected, the consequences are going to be bad," said Martin.
People do not understand that reporting an accident can even be cheaper than leaving and pretending nothing happened. According to Tyler Police Department, a hit and run suspect can be charged with a fine sometimes double the damage or time in jail with felony charges.
"Sometimes the insurance pays for all the damages with only the police report. It's that simple," said Melchor.
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Auto Insurance Site
posted 3/04/10 @ 5:43 PM CST
The hit and run stats are always an eye opener, especially for cyclist. Those who have been hit finally start believing in wearing a helmet if they were not before. (Continued…)
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