Each month, Pullman police report an average of at least 10 hit-and-run incidents, according to the Pullman Police logs.

The majority of hit-and-run cases go unsolved, and most involve law-abiding citizens who hit parked cars, said Cmdr. Chris Tennant of the Pullman Police Department.

“People get scared,” Tennant said. “The vast majority of people in Pullman are young adults with not a lot of life experience yet. They don’t know what to do and they leave the scene.”

However, Tennant said if a driver is in that situation, it is much easier to leave their information and inform police and their insurance company.

Dave Christy, Pullman State Farm insurance agent, said, “(Insurance companies) deal with it every day, they’re used to it.”

Tennant said when someone leaves the scene, the incident becomes a criminal matter in which case the police must track down the driver. If it is a first offense, the consequences will likely include probation and a fine of $500, but a judge will determine the sentence.

If the collision causes more than $1,000 in damage, the driver is required by law to notify the police department.

“My advice is to give us a call, and we’ll sort through all of that,” Tennant said. “We’ll do the report and we’ll get you on your way and give you advice.”

Steve Hansen, assistant chief of WSU police, said there are about two cases of pedestrian hit-and-runs reported each year. Other incidents usually occur in parking lots on campus.

Hansen said students with traffic incidents are not seen by the Student Conduct Board, so offenders won’t suffer any academic disciplinary consequences.

He added that drivers should leave a note, and recommends they call police and wait at the scene.

“It’s probably best if they stay on the scene,” Hansen said. “It helps us determine what actually happened.”

Whether or not the driver commits a hit-and-run, they must contact their insurance company regarding civil matters.

Under an insurance plan, the claim will be paid out under a property damage liability. There is no deductible, so you have to pay out the expenses.

Christy recommended drivers purchase uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage. This ensures the victim driver will be protected from all collisions involving drivers who do not have insurance.

Tennant said students should remember why they are here in Pullman. If they get arrested for a hit-and-run, that goes on their record. Someday, when they go to apply for the job they’ve been studying at WSU to get, a hit-and-run charge can ruin their chance at getting the position.