Abstract
Explanations for driver decisions to hit-and-run have largely been based around a rational choice perspective that suggests drivers consider the expected costs of reporting a collision against the benefits of leaving the scene. Although such an explanation appears plausible, previous research has largely focused upon identifying contributory or contextual factors through analysis of quantitative datasets rather than engaging with drivers in order to understand how they make the decision to ‘run’. This article explores the application of the rational choice perspective to hit-and-run driving. First, it develops an analytical framework based upon the rational choice decision-making process put forward by Tay et al. in 2008. Second, through analysis of 52 interviews with offenders, it examines how drivers structure the decision to leave the scene. Third, a typology of drivers is developed that illustrates that hit-and-run is not always based upon rational decision making. Finally, the article concludes with some implications for further research and the prevention of hit-and-run collisions.
Highlights
A hit-and-run collision is a road traffic crash in which a driver of a striking vehicle flees the scene without aiding the victim or offering information (Roshandeh et al, 2016: 22)
In order to do this, we develop a typology of five ‘hit-and-run’ offender categories that were identified across the sample group
There has been some development of theoretical understanding for hit-and-run principally based upon a rational choice framework
Summary
A hit-and-run collision is a road traffic crash in which a driver of a striking vehicle flees the scene without aiding the victim or offering information (Roshandeh et al, 2016: 22). In the UK, the number of collisions involving a hit-and-driver in which an injury was sustained increased from 15,390 in 2013 to 17,122 in 2015. Over the same period of time, the proportion of accidents involving a hit-and-run driver (where any injury was sustained to a pedestrian, driver or passenger) increased from 11.1 per cent in 2013 to 12.2 per cent in 2015 (DfT, 2016).. It is widely accepted that hit-and-run collisions increase the risk of death for the victim as leaving the scene can increase the time it takes for emergency services to arrive (see Roshandeh et al, 2016; Tay et al, 2008). Other consequences include financial complications if insurance claims need to be made for damages to vehicles or compensation paid to victims (Tay et al, 2008), as well as the potential emotional trauma caused to victims (Mayou and Bryant, 2003)
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