EDITORIAL - Fleeing the scene of an accident

A viral video now going around the internet shows an SUV hitting a traffic enforcer along Escario Street in Barangay Capitol Site in Cebu City last Wednesday, July 1, and then speeding off.

Fortunately, the enforcer was able to roll out of the way of the SUV’s left wheels, avoiding the danger of getting run over.

The driver of the SUV was later apprehended. He said he “didn’t see” the enforcer in front of him when the incident happened. He also said that after he realized he had hit someone he “panicked” then tried to escape.

The first mistake he made was that hit the traffic enforcer. But that alone would have been understandable and even excusable. All of us make mistakes, and for drivers that includes stepping on the wrong pedal while driving.

But the second mistake was that he tried to flee the scene. That was inexcusable. What he did can be qualified as a hit and run incident.

Drivers should be reminded that they cannot just flee the scene of an incident they have caused or got involved in. In fact, there’s even a law against that; Under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, a driver involved in a road crash must stop immediately and show their driver's license, give information and details and, if no one else is available, assist anyone who is hurt

The only reasons they can leave the scene of an accident is if they are in direct danger, they are going to the police to report the incident, or they are going to get help for the victims of the accident.

We are seeing more and more accidents on our roads today, thanks in no small part to drivers and riders who have forgotten the rules of the road, as well as pedestrians who cross or walk in parts of the road where they shouldn’t.

Those who cause accidents should be aware of their responsibilities.

This again goes without saying that driving is a privilege and not a right. And as a privilege, it can and should be taken away from those who no longer deserve that privilege.