SARASOTA COUNTY – A recent study found In 2020, fatal hit-and-run crashes increased by over 18% even as total hit-and-run crashes in Florida decreased by 13% compared to 2019.
And a new campaign aims to educate drivers on their responsibilities if involved in a crash, and the serious consequences they face if they don’t #StayAtTheScene.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in Florida nearly 25% of all crashes involve a hit-and-run driver.
In an effort to reduce the number of hit-and-run crashes and fatalities in the state, several agencies are educating drivers of the effects their actions will have if they choose to leave the scene of a crash.
According to recent data from the FLHSMV the vast majority of hit-and-run fatalities occur at night or during low-light hours. In fact, 85% of all hit-and-run fatalities from 2015 to 2020 occurred during dawn, dusk, or nighttime conditions.
Of the 254 hit-and-run fatalities in 2020, 137 were pedestrians and 25 were bicyclists.
Lead Hit & Run Investigator for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Kenn Watson says when on the roadways drivers need to be fully conscious and alert to avoid hitting a cyclist or pedestrian.
“We have to make sure that we have that good situational awareness when we’re operating a motor vehicle,” said Trooper Watson. “Always check twice when making that left turn. We want to make sure we’re not going to violate a motorcyclist right of way.”
