How to avoid being victim of hit-and-run

There are thousands of crashes in Edmonton every year. Unfortunately, some of the collisions are hit-and-runs. In 2012, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) investigated 7,471 hit-and-run crashes.

To avoid being a victim of a hit-and-run, EPS has released tips on what you should do if you're involved in a non-life-threatening collision.

"Our hope is you are never involved in a collision," says Sgt. Kerry Bates of the Edmonton Police Service Hit-and-Run Unit.

"As with anything, it is always good to be prepared and gather your own accurate information."

Here are tips from EPS:

1) Pull over to the side of a road to exchange information so you don't impede traffic. However, before you pull over, write down the licence plate number of the other vehicle. If you have a camera on your cellphone, take a picture of the licence plate. Police say drivers have been tricked when the driver of the other vehicle speeds away or appears to pull over, but then takes off.

2) Have a notepad and a pencil or pen that will work in cold weather.

3) If you're the victim of a hit-and-run, not only get the licence plate number, but write a description of the vehicle and direction of travel.

4) Call the EPS complaints line to report the collision at (780) 423-4567, or go to the closest police station.

Police say many hit-and-run collisions involve drivers with a suspended license, driving an uninsured or stolen vehicle. These people don't want to be caught, so they take off at the first opportunity.

Police are also reminding drivers that failing to stay at the scene of a crash and providing your name, vehicle registration and insurance information is a violation under the Traffic Safety Act. According to EPS, in certain hit-and-run cases, a person could face five years in jail, or a life sentence if someone dies.

For more information go to www.edmontonpolice.ca.