Been in a Hit-and-Run?

How's this for a lede? "If you get in a car crash in the San Fernando Valley, there's about a 50-50 chance you'll flee the scene - and get away with it." Ha! That's almost instructional.

In a comprehensive report on hit-and-runs by the Daily News, it is found there is a lot of hitting, running and general douchebaggery in Los Angeles. Yes, we all knew that after day one, but here are some stats and facts you probably didn't know:

• Half of the 16,792 Valley traffic collisions in 2006 were hit-and-runs, 54% were solved, giving the Val the best track record in the city for cases solved.
  
• Central Traffic solved only 30% of cases.
  
• 13% of accidents in Burbank were hit-and-runs, 24% in Santa Clarita and 29% for Glendale.
  
• Wilshire Division had the highest amount of hit-and-runs last year with 2,014. Van Nuys Division had the highest amount in the Valley at 1,984. West Valley Division followed at 1,974.
  
• "The city's Special Order 40 law prohibits police from asking people about their immigration status."
  
• A recent court ruling allows police to impound vehicles for 30 days if the driver is u unlicensed (as in you don't even have a license or it is expired, not if you forgot it at home).

In most cases, unless you are drunk, illegal or have a warrant out for you, staying at the accident scene will cause you not much more than a little headache and some time. And that beats jail and a big fine!

Previously on LAist: If you hit and run, don't forget your license plate

Photo by ChazWags via Flickr