The act of feeling guilty thereby fleeing the scene of an accident or injury which one has caused or attempting to evade being identified and held responsible especially, in a vehicular accident is referred to as hit and run. In other words, a hit and run or hit-and-run accident is an accident in which the driver of a vehicle hits their victim(s) and then drives away without stopping afterward to give assistance or inform the police about it.
In traffic laws, a hit and run or a hit-and-run is a criminal act that has no doubt posed significant threat to the safety and well-being of individuals in the society. Hit and run can result in a wide range of physical injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe wounds such as; broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations and even death. These damages can impact a person’s health and well-being, leading to long-term disabilities and reduced mobility. It is therefore crucial to take various measures to curb this menace and ensure that these incidents are not only reduced but also effectively managed.
Here are some strategies that can be implemented to achieve this goal:
1. Enhanced Law Enforcement: Strengthening law enforcement agencies’ efforts to apprehend hit and run drivers can act as a deterrent. This can involve increasing police patrols, installing surveillance cameras at strategic locations and improving response times to reported incidents.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Creating campaigns that inform the public about the consequences of hit and run accidents can raise awareness and promote responsible driving. These campaigns can be conducted through various mediums such as social media, television, radio, and community outreach programs.
3. Stricter Penalties: Legislative bodies should review and consider revising penalties for hit and run drivers. Implementing stricter punishments such as higher fines, suspension or revocation of driving licenses and potential imprisonment can discourage individuals from fleeing the scene of an accident.
4. Encouraging Community Involvement: Engaging community members as watchdogs can be an effective way in curbing hit and run incidents. Encouraging witnesses to come forward and report such incidents promptly can aid investigations and reduce the likelihood of drivers escaping accountability.
5. Improving Infrastructure: Enhancing road infrastructure, such as increasing the number of streetlights, installing speed bumps and creating pedestrian-friendly zones can help minimize the occurrence of accidents. Clear and visible signage should also be installed to give drivers and pedestrians clear vision to navigate safely.
6. Technology-driven Solutions: Utilizing technology, such as automated license plate readers and surveillance systems can aid in identifying hit and run drivers by capturing crucial information about the vehicles involved. This can assist law enforcement agencies in tracking down and holding offenders accountable.
7. Victim Support and Compensation Scheme: Ensuring that hit and run victims receive proper support and compensation can aid in their recovery process and provide them with a sense of justice. Establishing victim compensation funds and providing counseling services can help victims and their families cope with the consequences of such accidents.
8. International Coordination: Collaboration between countries regarding the sharing of information on hit and run cases can help locate and extradite offenders who flee across borders. Strengthening international cooperation on law enforcement issues is vital in curbing this menace.
Overall, curbing the menace of hit and run drivers requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on prevention, enforcement, public awareness and support for victims. By addressing this issue comprehensively, government together with the society can take a significant step towards ensuring safer roads and holding accountable those who engage in this dangerous behavior.
– Abraham Achimugu writes from Abuja.
