Hit-and-run accidents are happening so often in Tennessee that they are becoming a common occurrence. People who are involved in these situations often find themselves dealing with a wide range of consequences that are often life-altering and devastating. Drivers should make themselves more aware of the potential ramifications of this type of situation so they can take measures to avoid them.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, there were 892 fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2014. Nine percent of those who died were pedestrians. The percent of occupants who were in passenger cars at the time of those incidents attributed was 43. Alcohol, distracted-driving and other factors all contribute to the number and severity of hit-and-run accidents.

Drivers who flee from the scene of accidents are not making the situations better. In their quest to avoid responsibility for their actions, they are leaving behind a trail of chaos and heartache for many victims and their families. Not all fender benders that occur in this type of situation results in minor injuries. Some victims are left critically injured and may require ongoing medical care and support for the rest of their lives.

The number of traffic deaths is declining, but there is a significant uptick in the number of hit-and-run occurrences, states USA Today. Motorists who crash into the vehicles of other drivers and then leave the scene are not acting responsibly. They are not exercising proper driving judgment and they are inadvertently putting other motorists on the roads at risk for harm.

It is imperative for people who are involved in hit-and-run accidents to try and get as much information as they can regarding drivers who collide with their cars. Along with getting descriptions of those motorists, they should try to remember the makes and models of their vehicles and plate numbers. Providing law enforcement with these details can lead to their apprehension and make the roads a safer place.

It is hard for motorists in Tennessee to avoid the temptation of incorporating social media into their everyday lives. With so many of them taking selfies while they are driving, it is not very surprising that distracted car incidents are on the rise. According to CNN, teenagers and young adult drivers and their passengers are the biggest perpetrators of this offense. They are not the only ones who are guilty of engaging in this type distracted driving behavior. Plane pilots, motorcyclists and boat operators are also taking selfies during the operations of their vehicles.

Social media is becoming an impairment to drivers, states Social Media Week. It leads to distracted driving which is now a leading cause of danger for motorists. Eating while behind the wheel is now considered a less risky form of distracted driving when compared to taking selfies. Every time a motorist uses their phone to take a picture of themselves, they double their risk of being involved in an accident. This behavior causes them to remove their focus and vision off the road for as little as two to three seconds, which is more than enough time for a pedestrian or vehicle to cross their path and a traffic light to change. As a result, many states are ramping up their enforcement procedures and creating stricter laws and civil and criminal penalties to combat distracted driving.

Drivers who are a part of the selfie trend should avoid using their cellphones and mobile devices until their vehicles are stopped and off the road. Consideration should be given to the safety of their passengers and all other motorists.

As the number of motorists on the roads in Tennessee continue to increase; so does the number of underinsured and uninsured drivers. Before any motorists decide to hit the road, they should take action to protect themselves against underinsure and uninsured drivers. According to Consumerreports.org, there are 30 million people who drive their vehicles without insurance. It is not always possible to identify these drivers. However, there are actions one can take to limit their interaction with them and avoid them.

There are laws in place to penalize uninsured motorists who operate vehicles without being properly insured. Motorists should be prepared to protect themselves the best they can. Purchasing an underinsured/uninsured insurance policy may offer drivers more protection and recourse if they are involved in car accidents with those offenders.

These policies keep insured motorists from having to foot the bill for any injuries and damages their regular auto insurance policies do not cover, states Carinsurance.com. For example, an insured driver is going through an intersection when an uninsured motorist fails to stop at the red light. The driver crashes into the insured motorist’s vehicle, causing the driver of that car to sustain moderate injuries and damages. Without an under/uninsured motorist policy, the insured driver would be responsible for all of the expenses that are not covered by their insurer. This type of coverage can prove to be very valuable in the event of hit-and-run accidents that involve uninsured and underinsured drivers.

Motorists should also be prepared to document the names, license plates, make and model of the perpetrators cars, along with any other useful information that can help law enforcement to apprehend these offenders.

Uninsured and underinsured motorists endanger the safety of everyone on the roads. However, with the right precautions, drivers can guard themselves to improve the outcome of any interaction they have with them.

Hit-and-run accidents are a common occurrence in Tennessee. However, the thought of being involved in one may leave you with questions about what you should do. According to InsuranceHotline.com, victims of hit-and-run accidents often become frustrated because they are left to deal with the aftermath of these incidents. Giving in to those negative feelings is not recommended because action still needs to be taken to minimize any losses and injuries.

Once the accident is over, you should stay at the scene. Try to gather as much information as you can about the other driver. You will need an accurate description of the driver, their vehicle, license plate and the make and model of their car. You will also need to be able to describe to the best of your ability the events that lead to the accident occurring. This information is necessary for you to file a police report. Filing a police report is crucial because it can help to absolve you of any responsibility and is necessary if you expect your auto insurer to take care of the damages.

If you did not witness the incident, but find that your vehicle is damaged, take pictures to document the scene. Look for witnesses who saw what happened and contact the police so they can come out and take your statement for the report.

If you are inside of your vehicle during the accident, make sure your vehicle is no longer moving, put it in park and turn on your hazard lights. Quickly assess the scene and check yourself and any fellow passengers for injury. Contact the police and emergency medical personnel. If you are able to get out of your vehicle, do so when it is safe. You should put up road flares to alert other drivers of the situation so they can maneuver safely out of the way to prevent further crashes, injuries and to make it easier for law enforcement and medical responders to arrive at the scene.

As frightening and confusing as this type of experience can be, try to remain calm and level-headed. The actions you take immediately afterward can determine your outcome.