Hit-and-run drivers draw online ire

Research carried out by Haidian court reveals that of the 38 traffic accidents involving serious injuries or death in the district last year, more than half of the drivers fled the scene. But of those, half of them later gave themselves up to the police.

Those who did not report to the police, but who were subsequently apprehended and charged, received prison sentences ranging from three to five years. Nine people received probation and another 11 had sentences of less than one year because of their active participation in saving lives and providing compensation to the victims.

According to the nation's road traffic safety laws, drivers involved in a hit-and-run accident bear all the responsibility. The punishment includes a prison sentence from three to seven years and a ban on future driving license applications. If there is a death involved, the punishment rises to more than seven years in prison, and can on occasion result in the death penalty, depending on how serious the case is.