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Being able to get into a car and go wherever you want is a privilege — a privilege that can be taken away if you don’t follow a few simple rules and regulations.
Recently, there has been an increase in “fleeing the scene” incidents, which are illegal and can result in a loss of license. Fleeing the scene can be anything from hitting a car in the parking lot to accidents with minimal or no damage and driving away.
“Per instruction, it is mandated by the wing commander to make contact with security forces if you are in an accident involving another vehicle or even a single vehicle accident,” said Master Sgt. Jonathan Mehringer, 86th Security Forces Squadron B-flight flight chief. “It’s also a requirement by law to report it.”
According to wing supplement to Air Force Instruction 39-201 5.3.1., fleeing the scene of an accident (i.e. failing to attempt to make contact with the vehicle owner or contacting security forces prior to leaving the scene of an accident) will result in a traffic ticket, which carries a minimum of a six-month suspension of driving privileges. For non-military members, they will be subject to the German law and can face a fine starting at around €1,000.
“The perpetrator must also pay the costs of the proceedings,” said Matthias Völker, 86th AW German legal adviser. “Additionally, they face a license suspension if the damage is more than a few hundred euros. If the damage is more than €1,300, the suspension can be more than six months.”
To protect your driving privileges, if you hit something make sure to report it to either security forces or the German Polizei. The German number for 9-1-1 is 1-1-2, and they have English-speaking representatives to assist with emergencies.
