In 2015, there were more than 92,000 hit and run crashes in Florida, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (“FHP”).
The crashes resulted in more than 19,000 injuries and 186 fatalities. The FHP added that more than half of the hit and run fatalities were pedestrians. Moreover, according to the FHP, approximately one out of every four pedestrian crashes resulted in the driver leaving the scene.
“The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles stresses to each driver, if you are in a crash, do not leave the scene,” said executive director Terry L. Rhodes. “Remaining on the scene will not only spare a driver significant legal penalties, but may save a life.”
“People leave the scene of a crash for several reasons,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, director of the FHP. “They are scared, they may be impaired, they may have a suspended driver's license, or they may not have insurance. No matter what the reason, as a driver, it is your responsibility to remain at the crash scene to respond and help anyone who's injured.”
The FHP said that, last year, 18 to 27 year olds were charged with more than a third of all hit and run crashes, 70 percent of which were issued to males.
Learn more: www.flhsmv.gov.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].