[Leaving the scene of an accident--a special offense in forensic psychiatric assessment?]

A retrospective study on a hit-and-run group of drivers is reported. In comparison with a control group the study did not reveal special characteristics of these offenders. Mechanisms responsible for a driver leaving the place of a traffic accident are discussed. With reference to driver's escape psychogenic reactions and alcoholic intoxication often are observed, while (post-traumatic) twilight states and brief reactive psychosis are extremely rare events. Intensity of psychological disturbance during the offence may be assessed by criteria for evaluating responsibility of offenders with crimes of passion.