ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Changes are coming to the way drivers report minor crashes in both the city of Roanoke and the county. The country's first Collision Reporting Center is expected to open on Thursday.
While it's expected to help police by cutting down time it takes to log the accidents, drivers will need to take an extra step.
If you tap another car's bumper during rush hour traffic and there's no major damage to the car or other people involved police would fill out a quick report taking notes, providing the driver's information such as plates and insurance. Then the officer would send you to the region's Collision Reporting Center.
If you're in a minor accident, heading to the region's Collision Reporting Center along Abney Road in Roanoke County could take up to 45 minutes out of your time, but it's one less step for Roanoke city and county police.
"Officers will be able to answer more calls and go out and arrest more bad guys," said Traffic Safety Officer Fetima Foster with the Roanoke City Police Department.
Right now, a minor traffic report can take an officer an hour to write up; however, once the collision center opens, it will take on the responsibility of compiling a thorough accident report, instead of police.
"We're trying to allow the citizens to come to the Collision Reporting Center on their own time within about 48-hours to report a collision allowing officers to free up an hour of their time," added Ashley Kendall, a spokesperson for the collision center.
Once the vehicle's damage has been assessed, a detailed analysis determining who's at fault will be sent to law enforcement and insurance agencies involved.
Police say about 40 to 50 percent of all traffic accidents are minor, where the law is not called into question. The officer called to this type of crash would still check that all people involved are okay. And, if the parties involved fit the criteria, they would be directed to the reporting center.
"Pretty much any two cars or multiple cars just as long as there is no injury, it's not a city vehicle, not a hazmat vehicle and it doesn't have to be towed can go to the collision reporting center," said Foster.
Based on a Canadian model, law enforcement hope this center helps both motorists and officers more efficiently file a claim.
The center is still under construction; however, management said the facility will be ready to open Thursday and are holding a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.