Page 11 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – July/August 2019

MEMBER SERVICES
INSURANCE PROTECTION
An Important Element in Hit-and-Run Accidents
More than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads, according to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. With the number of hit-and-run crashes on the rise, AAA is calling for drivers to be alert on the road in order to avoid a deadly crash and always remain on the scene if a crash occurs.
AAA researchers examined common characteristics of hit-and-run crashes and found that:
• An average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes occurred each year since 2006.
• Nearly 65 percent of people killed in hit-and-run crashes were pedestrians or bicyclists.
• Hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2 percent each year since 2009.
“Hit-and-run crashes in the United States are trending in the wrong direction,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Our analysis shows that hit-and-run crashes are a growing traffic safety challenge and the AAA Foundation would like to work with all stakeholders to help curtail this problem.”
The report found that most victims of fatal hit-and-run crashes are pedestrians or bicyclists. Over the past 10 years, nearly 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths were caused by hit-and-run crashes, meanwhile just one percent of all driver fatalities in that same time period.
Currently, every state has laws that make it illegal for a driver involved in a crash to flee the scene. State penalties vary depending on the type of crash (i.e. property damage, injury, serious injury or a fatality). If found guilty, drivers can face large fines, lose their license or spend time in prison. AAA encourages
drivers to educate themselves about specific hit- and-run laws in their state and remain alert on the road to prevent crashes from occurring.
If a driver is involved in a crash, they should never leave the scene and follow the steps below:
1. Assist the injured – Check for injured people and call 911.
2. Be visible – Make sure that the scene is visible to approaching drivers. If possible, move vehicles out of the path of traffic, and use hazard flashers, flares, and reflective triangles. Find a safe place to remain until emergency services arrive, if needed.
3. Communicate – Call the police and file a report. If the police do not come to the scene, you can file a report by visiting a local police department.
There are a couple of things that you should
do when you are a victim of a hit and run. The
first thing that you should do is to get the license plate and to write it down. The shock might make you forget the number. To get a good look at the driver can also assist you in finding the person responsible. Remember, the sooner the police are on the scene, the easier it is going to be for them to catch the hit and run driver.
You should also remember that in most hit-and- run accidents the guilty party will never get caught. This is because of the lack of evidence to find the person guilty. Thus, it becomes important that you protect yourself with insurance that covers this type of an accident. Call your agent and ask if you have sufficient coverage in place.
SHELBY COUNTY DRIVING SCHOOL
2019 Classroom Schedule
Learn to drive with the leader in driving safety! Classes are taught by state-certified instructors with experience in working with young people.
SIDNEY CLASSROOM SCHEDULE
July 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25............9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Aug. 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 .......................9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sept.9,10,11,12,16,17,18,19...............5:00p.m.– 8:00p.m. Oct.21,22,23,24,28,29,30,31...............5:00p.m.– 8:00p.m Dec.2,3,4,5,9,10,11,12..........................5:00p.m.– 8:00p.m.
Classroom work held at Shelby County AAA office. A minimum of 10 students required.
VERSAILLES CLASSROOM SCHEDULE
Nov. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14........................ 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Classroom work held at Versailles High School. A minimum of 10 students required.
MINSTER CLASSROOM SCHEDULE
**Nov.11,12,14,18,19,21,25,26..........5:30p.m.– 8:30p.m.
**Nov. 18 class time is from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Classroom work held at Minster High School. A minimum of 10 students required.
Class dates, times & locations subject to change.
PRICE FOR CLASSES
(Includes 24 hours of classroom & 8 hours of driving.)
AAA Member Price: $325.00
Non Member Price: $350.00
JULY/AUGUST 2019
11