Is It Illegal If.....

[Smowball]

Am sure I know the answer but just checking. My 22 yr old son was driving today with his one yr old baby in back seat in a car seat. A woman jumped a red light on a crossroads and smashed into the rear door where baby was. Tyre exploded, whole wheel damaged plus various dents. She got out of her car, scrambled her number on a scrap of paper and then drove off and left them there stranded.
Son is so seething he wants to put her reg number on FB to track her down as she showed absolutely no care as to what she had done. I think its a very bad idea. Thoughts?

[Mamyalynne]

I don't know the law, of course number plates are on view all the time when out driving but it would depend on what he wrote.

Easier to go down the correct route.

[EDDIE51]

Do you mean she scribbled her number( not scrambled) ? If he has the number just report her to the police and to his insurance.

[shoota]

If you are the driver of a vehicle and are involved in a road traffic collision that meets the criteria listed above, your legal requirements under the Road Traffic Act 1988 are:
•Stop and remain at the scene for a reasonable time - if you do not do so, you could be committing an offence of failing to stop at the scene of an accident
•Give your name and address, vehicle registration number, and details of the owner (if different) to anyone with reasonable grounds for asking for these details
•If you do not exchange those details at the scene you must report the collision at a police station or to a police officer as soon as possible and, in any event, within 24 hours

[Smowball]

I just think he's so upset he's not thinking clearly and wants to name and shame her

[shoota]

Did she furnish all the above Smow?

[EDDIE51]

Check that she is insured here
https://ownvehicle.askmid.com/
You have to say it's your vehicle.
Don't put it on FB that's asking for trouble just report her to the police and to insurance. Has she given him the correct number, she is required by law to give her name and address as well as insurance details. So she has broken the law already! Definately a police matter!

[Buenchico]

As it seems that the woman didn't give her name and address (as well as the vehicle's registration number) she's obliged to report the accident to a police station (or to a police officer) within 24 hours. If she doesn't (and I'd bet that she won't) she's guilty of a criminal offence.
[Section 170, Road Traffic Act 1988]

So having a word with Pc Plod might be the best way forward.

Putting the registration number of a vehicle on a social media site can't be construed as an offence, as it doesn't communicate any information about the driver which is covered by the Data Protection Act. (If her name isn't mentioned, or any other identifying information given, it obviously can't do so).

Even if the registration number of the vehicle and the owner's name were to be linked, it's unlikely that the Data Protection Act would be breached.

[kvalidir]

Why doesn't he just ring his insurance company and / or call her? Someone crashed into me recently and only gave her number at the time, people don't think straight always when they've had a shock, this could equally apply to her. I'd see how it pans out before he tries to get her lynched personally, she'll probably just accept responsibility, it'll go through the insurance and all will be well. I can't see what good it will do to ' name and shame her' personally.

[Davemano]

The requirement to produce insurance only applies to accidents involving injury.

[Peter Pedant]

no it is not illegal
I dont see why it would be ....

anyway HE ( boy wonder ) has been involved in an accident so doesnt HE have to report it to PC Plod within 24 h ?

and I am pretty sure he needs to tell his own insurance

anyway from the FB point of view
wait a few days until he stops seething

[rockyracoon]

Very bad idea. Those sorts of post on FB always end up as a public flogging and you truly see the worst of human nature, everyone forgets that it's an actual person they are attacking from their keyboard. It could end up with unpleasant consequences. She just may have had an excuse to do what she did. As Klav said, she could have been in shock.

[waterboatman]

Name and shame a bad idea smow. He must report it to the police. The woman should have remained at the scene until all details have been exchanged. She jumped a red light causing the accident. She is in serious trouble. Your son must report it to the police soonest, to cover himself.

[Smowball]

Sorry iPad froze last night so couldn't comment anymore!

[ummmm]

Tell him not to. Just contact the police.

My ex clipped a cars wing mirror pulling out of a parking space. No damage whatsoever but someone reported him. He got done with leaving the scene of an accident!!! Points and a fine!!

[Arrods]

Davemano - unless the law has recently changed I don't think you need produce insurance (I.e. to a police station) for an injury accident if you've already provided insurance details to someone having reasonable grounds for wanting it.

[EDDIE51]

^^ You are required by law to provide your name and address and details of your insurance NOT just a registration number!
This woman is scared of being fined for jumping a red light and careless/dangerous driving which will be why she cleared off in a hurry
She is guilty of at least 3 offences not providing details , driving through a red light and careless / dangerous driving.
I hope not, but the baby could be injured (whiplash?) the woman should have stayed at the scene until it was established that there was no injury. Smow's son could also be injured, whiplash is often delayed and does not come on immediately . Both son and baby should have been checked over by a doctor or paramedic!

[EDDIE51]

There is also a chance that the car that caused the accident was stolen.That would explain why she was in a hurry and didn't wait or give full details. The number plate was visible to anyone so she has not given anything away by writing it down.
This is another reason for not 'shaming her on FB' the real owner could be totally innocent!

[Smowball]

He's rang his insurers and the police and he didn't put anything on FB.

[EDDIE51]

Tell him 'well done' let us know what happens.

[Smowball]

Will do. And thanks for all the advice everyone.