One in two motorists would Road Run

Every other motorist would drive away without leaving their details if they damaged an unattended vehicle, a new survey has found.

The survey of 1,300 motorists from Cornhill Direct also revealed that one in two drivers had been the victim of a so-called 'Road Runner'.

By law drivers who cause damage to vehicles have to stop and give their name and address to someone if there is reasonable ground to request the information.

Alternatively the driver must report the accident to the police within 24 hours, or they are guilty of an offence.

Official statistics reveal that the number of road runners is increasing, with nearly 30,000 prosecuted for the offence in 2003, up 11 per cent on the figure for 2000.

The survey also found that females are less likely to stop at the scene and leave their details than men.

Ian Firth, Cornhill Direct?s Operational Underwriting Manager said: "Honest policyholders are forced to pay an extra £30.00 a year for their motor insurance just to pay for the damage and injury caused by uninsured and untraced drivers.

"Motorists who cause damage to other vehicles should take responsibility for their actions. If a motorist does not leave their details at the scene of the accident and fails to report the incident to the police, they are committing a criminal offence."

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