Don't remain indifferent!

February 20, 2024

Under this slogan, on February 23, 2024, a Unified Road Safety Day will be held in the city of Glubokoye and Glubokoye district, aimed at preventing incidents where participants leave the scene of a road traffic accident.

The traffic police are actively trying to draw public attention to the problem of drivers who, having been involved in a road accident, flee the scene.

Most incidents involve hitting pedestrians and occur in the dark within or near populated areas. Drivers leave hoping to avoid responsibility, but according to statistics, in 95% of cases, fleeing drivers are found. Drivers who leave the scene of an accident only worsen their situation, as often the cause of the accident is the irresponsible behavior of a pedestrian, meaning they will bear both administrative and criminal responsibility. As for the driver, even if they are not at fault, for leaving the scene of an accident, according to Part 2 of Article 18.16 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus, administrative responsibility is provided in the form of a fine from 5 to 25 basic units or deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for up to 2 years. In addition, for knowingly leaving a person in a state dangerous to life or health, a driver who fled the scene of an accident may be punished under Part 3 of Article 159 of the Criminal Code, which provides for up to three years of imprisonment.

The traffic rules clearly define the specific actions of a driver after an accident. The vehicle must be stopped. It, as well as other objects related to the accident, must not be moved or removed. It is necessary to turn on the hazard lights and place a breakdown warning triangle (or a flashing red light) at a distance of at least 15 m from the vehicle in populated areas and 40 m outside them. If there are victims, all measures must be taken to provide them with necessary assistance. An ambulance should be called.

medical assistance and report the incident to the police. In emergency cases, they must be sent to the nearest medical facility by any available transport. If this is not possible, the injured parties must be transported to a medical facility using your own vehicle, after first documenting (in the presence of witnesses) the position of the vehicles, the injured parties, any traces, and objects related to the accident. At the hospital, the driver is obliged to state their surname, vehicle registration number, and present the vehicle's documents and their driver's license or other identification document. After this, they must return to the scene of the incident. By taking these actions, the motorist will not be accused of leaving the scene of the accident.

Proper actions will help avoid panic or confusion. Even when obtaining a driver's license, everyone should be aware of the responsibility they are undertaking and study the basics of providing medical assistance.

The State Automobile Inspectorate urges drivers not to remain indifferent and, upon witnessing such a situation, to report the fact of the perpetrator leaving the accident scene to the State Automobile Inspectorate officers or by calling 102.

Senior Traffic Police Inspector of the State Automobile Inspectorate Department of the MOB of the Glubokoye District Department of Internal Affairs Sivitsky E.A.