Sarnia Police have seen a total of seven “Fail to Remain” type collisions over the past few weeks. These crashes involve vehicles striking hydro poles, parked cars other public and private properties.
Fail to report damage to property on a highway, regardless of the damage amount, must be reported to the police, not the Collision Reporting Centre. This could involve a shrub, tree, pole, sign, sod or fence bordering the highway. Fail to do so can result in a $110 fine.
Failing to report any collision where the damage amount is over $2,000 or if an injury occurs also must be reported to the police. This includes a parked car, cyclist or pedestrian. You cannot leave the scene. This could cost you $110 and 3 demerit points off your licence.
If you see a motor vehicle with significant damage and you believe it to have been involved in a serious collision, and you are in charge of a garage, a parking lot, a used car lot or repair shop, you must call the police. The crash may have already been reported to them and the report will be on file. The insurance company may be involved or you might see a sticker placed on the vehicle by the Collision Reporting Centre. These are helpful indicators to know whether or not to contact police.
Be suspicious if the vehicle owner has offered cash for repairs, is evasive regarding details of the incident or the details of the crash do not match the damage. You can call Crime Stoppers with your information. You will remain anonymous. You could receive a cash reward for your information. Five of the seven crashes mentioned above have not been solved and your information could help investigators.
Contact us at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or you can go online at www.p3tips.com. Do the right thing and call Crime Stoppers!