Question:
I was bumped from behind on New Road Midrand. On requesting the details of the person who bumped into me he refused to give anything and said he does not have to as there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.
He just got into his car and left after saying he is wearing the wrong shoes therefore it is not his fault, he does not have to give me any details, completely refused as he thinks he is above the law. Photos were taken of his car by my friend which shows his number plate. Where do we go from here. His registration number is ……[WHITE VW GOLF)
Answer:
In terms of section 61 of the National Road Traffic Act, any person who is involved in a collision or is duly authorised to request the details of the other party involved in a collision must be furnished with such details. The exact section that applies is section 61(1)(e) which reads:
61(1) “The driver of a vehicle on a public road at the time when such vehicle is involved in or contributes to any accident in which any other person is killed or injured or suffers damage in respect of any property or animal shall-”
(e)“If required to do so by any person having reasonable grounds for so requiring, give his or her name and address, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle driven by him or her and, in the case of a motor vehicle, the registration or similar mark thereof;”
The other driver in this case has therefore violated section 61 of the National Road Traffic Act and can be found guilty of “hit and run” if you lay a charge at your local police station which is what I suggest you do immediately and within 24 hours of the said collision. This is however only applicable if you sustained damages to your vehicle.
Best Regards,
Howard Dembovsky
National Chairman – Justice Project South Africa (NPC)
Feedback:
“Thank you for your response. There was no injury or damages to the motor vehicle but I need to bring this under the attention of authority as he probably he will do this to someone else. I won’t lay a charge but will still report this.”
Also view:
Reporting and Accident and Car Insurance