Colorado Emergency Alert for Hit-and-Run Collisions
By Daniel E DAngelo Esq on April 1, 2014
Seems like every time you watch or read the news these days, there is another reported hit-and-run collision in Colorado. Time is of the essence when attempting to apprehend the person or persons who flee the scene of an automobile collision, and thus, the quicker the word gets out about the hit-and-run collision the greater chance of finding the responsible person or persons.
In an attempt to increase the chances of finding the people who flee the scene of an accident, Colorado will soon likely have a statewide emergency alert system for hit-and-run collisions similar to an Amber Alert. This new program will be officially known as the “Medina Alert Program,” and an alert will be issued when there is a “hit-and-run accident” involving serious bodily injury or a person has been killed.
The Medina Alert Program will be effective on January 1, 2015, and will use Colorado law enforcement agencies, and public and commercial television and radio stations to alert the public about a hit-and-run accident. An alert will be issued after verifying that a person has been killed or seriously injured during a hit-and-run accident, and law enforcement has the fleeing vehicle’s license plate number; a partial license plate number and make, style, and color of the fleeing vehicle; or, the identity of the suspect.
House Bill 14-1191 is waiting for the Governor’s signature.
