Every driver should always be aware of his or her environment for a number of different reasons. One reason that you might not think about is being acutely aware when you're in a location in which a hit-and-run accident is more likely. A number of factors can cause a motorist to flee after hitting another vehicle, including factors that relate to where the collision took place.

For example, a motorist probably isn't going to flee upon banging into another car in front of a police officer, but certain areas may make this bad behavior more probable. If you find yourself in one of these locations, you should be aware that a hit-and-run situation could be more likely if you're in an accident.

1. Areas Without Witnesses

When a motorist who may contemplate fleeing collides with your car, one of the first things that he or she will consider is whether there are any witnesses around. Witnesses can be problematic for someone who may think of fleeing. As long as someone gets the fleeing driver's license plate, the police will likely catch up with him or her. When you're driving in an area without witnesses, such as a quiet side street, this behavior could be more likely if you're in an accident.

2. Around Where People Have Been Drinking

When a motorist has consumed alcohol, he or she may be more likely to flee the scene of an accident. The motorist's judgment may be affected by the alcohol, or he or she simply doesn't want a DUI charge to occur. If you're driving in an area in which people have been drinking — perhaps near a stadium where a lot of tailgating has been taking place, or a street with lots of bars around closing time — you should be more wary of a hit-and-run situation taking place.

3. Dark Areas

Hit-and-run collisions often occur in the dark. A motorist may feel as though he or she has a better chance of getting away because it may be difficult to see his or her license plate or get a clear description of the vehicle when there's not much light. Additionally, if fewer police officers are patrolling a given area overnight, the offender may think that he or she could easily get back home or to a different location without getting caught. If you're in a collision in the dark, be wary of the other motorist leaving the scene.

For more information, contact a company like DiMaria Law.