Collision Reporting Center looking to expand

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Since opening last month, the collision reporting center has helped hundreds of drivers in both Roanoke city and county. Now, the center is now looking to expand to more localities in the Valley.

Traffic collision experts state the average person gets into an accident every seven years.

"Her foot came off the brake and she just hit here," Melinda Miller pointed out motioning towards her car.

Miller ended up at the Collision Reporting Center on Tuesday after a driver tapped her car from behind.

Roanoke city police responded to her 911 call, but instead of the officer taking an hour to write a report, 10 minutes later she was on her way.

"The police officer handed me a pamphlet and said to contact the Collision Reporting Center," said Miller.

At the reporting center, a detailed accident report is filled out and then sent to law enforcement. The center's Director Derrick Wilson told us they've helped nearly 200 people like Miller in the first month of operation.

"I say 98 percent of the people that come through here have a very positive attitude towards what we're doing," said Wilson.

Wilson said it's taking people time to adjust to the new accident reporting process. But, he expects as the community becomes more familiar with the center, more people will use it.

Right now, the center helps Roanoke City and County residents, but is looking to expand.

"Salem is also involved in our conversations with the process and also the town of Vinton," said Wilson.

"I absolutely recommend this place," said Miller. It was very, very quick, everyone was very nice and that means so much in this day to meet people who are polite and able to help you."