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22 January 2004
'Road deaths and injuries shatter lives'
'Hit and Run' - the cowardly crime
A 'Hit and Run' Crime Watch Programme needed
RoadPeace, UK's charity for road traffic victims, is
calling for action by Government and the Media to stop the
appalling offence of Hit and Run, which is fast reaching epidemic
proportions.
A Crime Watch - type programme targeting 'Hit and
run' drivers would convey the message that this is a reprehensible
act, which will not be tolerated, and that those who commit such a
crime cannot hide.
The appeal to the prosecuting authorities is for
using the most serious charges available to them and not merely
'Failure to stop'/and or Report.
Brigitte Chaudhry, National Secretary, said:
"The growing scale of the 'hit and run' problem, which has social
and humanitarian implications, must be taken seriously by
politicians and everyone in society. We are also calling on the
media to condemn these appalling acts and suggest the setting up of
a Crime Watch or similar programme to target these offenders and
lessen the agony of families."
Zoe Stow, Chair of RoadPeace, said:
"The prosecuting authorities appear to fail to address 'hit and
run' with an appropriate legal response, such as a manslaughter
charge in cases of deaths involving hit and run, as suggested in
Wilkinson's Traffic Law, 'perverting the course of justice', or
other appropriate indictable charges. This is certainly an issue of
public interest."
Contacts:
RoadPeace office 020 8838 5102,
Brigitte Chaudhry 020 8964 1800
Zoe Stow 01491 642 857
Some facts about Hit and Run:
- In the North West of England, 50% of all crashes
involve hit and run and one third of all cars are not fully
documented
- The strengthening of the drink-drive legislation
had brought a marked increase in hit and run cases
- This is now exacerbated by a growing number of
unqualified or disqualified drivers, who too leave the scene
- Of 15,392 proceedings for 'Failing to stop' in
2001, only 396 resulted in immediate custody and of 12,377 for
'Failing to report' in 2001, only 168 resulted in immediate
custody.
- In other countries, failure to provide assistance
is viewed far more seriously - French Good Samaritan Law even
applies to passers by.
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