Hit-and-runs are more common than most drivers think. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2018 and 2022, roughly 4 million people were involved in hit-and-run crashes, with over 12,000 fatalities. The majority, about 74%, involved property damage only, with 667,105 reported cases in 2022. A hit-and-run is exactly what it sounds like: a driver causes or is involved in a collision and leaves the scene instead of taking responsibility and facing the consequences. If it happens in a parking lot, there’s often not much you can do beyond filing an insurance claim. That is, unless you have a dash cam. Woman’s Calls Hit-And-Run Driver Out In a video that has garnered over 6.3 million views, TikTok creator Paige Slayton (@notpaigeslayton_) says her Ford Bronco Raptor was hit while parked in a Nashville hospital garage, and the driver didn’t stick around. “If you drive a black Ford F-150 and you hit this Bronco Raptor in a Nashville hospital parking garage today, you really should have checked to see if it had a dash cam,” she says in the clip. “Enjoy that hit-and-run charge. Love you. Bye.” She adds in the caption, “How about we try using our brains every once in a while!!!!” Commenters Focus On The Bronco Raptor In the comments, viewers were just as interested in the car model as they were in the situation. “I’m sorry, did you just say a Ford Bronco Raptor?” one person wrote. Tell us what you think! View Comments The Bronco Raptor is a high-performance off-road SUV built for rugged terrain rather than daily commuting, which likely made the mention stand out to some viewers. “I’m nosey share the video,” another added. “Most dash cams shut off when your car is off,” a third pointed out. She responded, “Mine activates when it senses motion or gets bumped.” “And you KNOW it’s a good quality dash cam too,” another commenter said. Should You Report A Hit-And-Run? What you can do after a hit-and-run depends on the state, but the general advice is consistent. Experts recommend calling the police as soon as you notice the damage, especially if you suspect the other driver left the scene. It’s also important to document everything, including taking photos and video of any visible damage, and getting an estimate for repairs. From there, you’ll want to contact your insurance provider to figure out the next steps. In cases like Slayton’s, dash cam footage can make a major difference, especially when it comes to identifying the other vehicle and proving what happened. What’s The Punishment For A Hit-And-Run? The law in Tennessee, where Slayton’s Bronco was hit, requires drivers to stop, remain at the scene, and exchange information after a crash. If the perpetrator leaves the scene, it can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the damage. For example, if the crash involves property damage under $1,500, it’s typically considered a Class B misdemeanor. More serious damage can raise that to a Class A misdemeanor. If the crash involves injury or death, the charges become much more serious, with harsher civil and criminal penalties. Motor1 has reached out to Slayton via email for comment and more information. We’ll update this piece as soon as we hear back. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
Liked by Jackson Turner, Audrey Fortin
Liked by Jackson Turner, Audrey Fortin
Liked by Jackson Turner, Audrey Fortin
