April 25, 2000

West Valley City's police department is changing the way it handles accidents. The goal is efficiency, even if drivers find it confusing. News Specialist Scott Light has the story.

It used to be police officers would come to the scene of a fender-bender, fill out a report and issue a ticket if necessary.

Now, no matter what the damages, if no injuries are involved officers might not even respond to the scene.

It was about two years ago. Justin Schacht was involved in a fender bender. No one was hurt but the other person involved became beligerant at the scene.

Justin Schacht/Opposes New Policy: "THE GUY WAS CAUSING PROBLEMS." "SO YOU COULD HAVE USED AN OFFICER?" "YES."

That's one reason why he doesn't like a new policy by West Valley Police. In the past, officer did full investigations at fender-bender accidents.

Now, if no injuries are involved at a minor accident officers may not come to the scene at all or if they do, it'll be a quick stop.

Lt. Steve Sandquist/West Valley City Police Dept.: "FIFTEEN MINUTES HOPEFULLY, VERSUS TWO HOURS IN DOING AN ACTUAL INVESTIGATION, WHICH IS A STATISTICAL PURPOSE ANYWAYS. AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS GOING TO MAKE THE DECISION."

Salt Lake City has had the same policy for years and West Valley says it's a safe, cost-effective move.

West Valley has one to three officers a day working traffic accidents. If drivers themselves handle the bang-ups with no injuries, West Valley says more officers will be in position to enforce more laws like speeding, instead of spending the day at accident scenes.

"WE'LL COME OUT, WE'LL VERIFY INFORMATION, EXCHANGE INFORMATION, WE'LL CITE THE VIOLATOR IF IT'S CLEAR AND WE'LL LEAVE."

Insurance is another important factor. Adjusters often rely on police reports from an accident scene. One adjuster told me without a police report, it could be harder determining who's at fault and in turn, who should collect insurance money.