Charlene from Port Neches asks: Officer Antoine, I have a vehicle that I’m quite fond of, and I can’t imagine being involved in a wreck. I think of that because I was talking to a family member who said someone hit their vehicle and ran.

This really upsets me to know there are people that will get in wreck and run without speaking to the other party involved. I told my family member that I would chase the person down until they stopped. I don’t care if we wound up in Houston; they will pay for what they did to my vehicle. What are we to do if involved in a wreck and the other vehicle leaves the wreck scene?

Answer: Good question Charlene! Leaving the scene of a crash before giving information or rendering aid is something that is happening more frequently among motorists. In the state of Texas, leaving the scene of a crash without giving information is a crime. If anyone is involved in a crash, they should call their local law enforcement department for assistance unless the two parties involved decide to settle the event among themselves without police involvement.

If someone leaves the scene without giving information, we don’t recommend anyone following them trying to get the fleeing vehicle to stop. The best reaction you can do is try to get a license plate number and a description of vehicle/driver and the direction of travel from the crash scene. Chasing a vehicle that hit your vehicle presents a dangerous driving condition, not only for you two but every vehicle that’s on the roadway in your path of travel.

Texas Transportation Code doesn’t give a victim motorist any exemption for breaking laws while following a suspect vehicle that fled the crash scene. Lastly Charlene, you’re leaving the scene of a crash, as well, so technically by the letter of the Code you’ve done the same crime and the hit-and-run driver. This makes it really difficult for law enforcement officers to recreate the crash scene. So we’d advise you to stay at the scene until law enforcement officers arrive.

Tim from Port Arthur asks: Officer Antoine, is it a violation in Texas for a motor vehicle that has a flat tire to continue to roll down the street even if it’s going slow with its flashers on?

Answer: Good question Tim! I’m sure this is an unfortunate event (flat tire) we’ve all observed or experienced at least once.

No motorist is allowed to drive a motor vehicle on the roadways of Texas with a flat tire. I think we would all agree the action would be UNSAFE! I understand that you may be in an area that you don’t consider safe or such a distance away from help where walking is not an option. You could be cited for operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment.

Remember, it’s always safest and the best practice to pull over to the far right and turn on the hazard lamps until your responding help arrives. Never drive on a flat tire. You are going cause far more damage to your wheel and tire.

Darryl from Port Arthur asks: Officer Antoine, I want to be in compliance with the law because I definitely don’t need a ticket. But I bought a new vehicle recently and my license plates just came in. To my surprise, the front license plate doesn’t fit. The holes on my license plate don’t match the hole on my vehicle plate holder that came from the factory. What am I supposed to do? I’m not going to drill holes into my brand new vehicle. For now I’ll put it on the front dash.

Answer: Good question, Darryl. I’ve spoken with numerous of motorists who experienced the exact same dilemma you’re facing with the front license plate. We all know the great state of Texas is a two-plate state, meaning a license plate must be displayed to the further most front and rear of a vehicle.

You cherish your vehicle just like many motorists and drilling additional holes into the frame sends shock waves through our body. There are other adhesive methods to ensure your plate properly secures to the front mount other than drilling. The state of Texas doesn’t mention the plate has to be secured by screws. Placing your license plate on the front dash is not acceptable in Texas. You can continually be stopped and cited for the violation.

Join Officer Antoine for Ask A Cop Live, on KSAP 96.9 FM, “The Breeze” every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Tune in and listen as Officer Antoine discusses the newly released Ask A Cop article. You can also tune in at ksapthebreeze.org. Feel free to call in and ask your question live at 409-982-0247.

 Remember to email your questions to Rickey.Antoine@portarthurtx.gov, or call 409-983-8673 and leave a message or voice mail question, or mail them to: Ofc. Rickey Antoine, 645 4th Street, Port Arthur, Texas, 77640. If you happen to see me in public you can Ask A Cop!