Discover common causes, driver traits, and when offenders are most likely to get caught and receive justice after a hit-and-run in Tampa
Florida’s vibrant image as a sunny vacation destination is unfortunately marred by a persistent and concerning trend: a high prevalence of hit-and-run crashes. These incidents not only inflict serious physical injuries on victims but also leave them grappling with emotional distress and financial challenges when the other driver fails to take responsibility.
To better understand this pressing issue and what can be done about it, we’ll explore some new statistics surrounding hit-and-run accidents in Florida, focusing on common causes and the characteristics of drivers who choose to flee.
We’ll also discuss factors that increase the likelihood of apprehending these offenders to hopefully pave the way for potential solutions.
How common are hit-and-run accidents?
Nationwide, hit-and-runs account for about 11-12% of car crashes in the U.S. annually, but the result of the accidents can be devastating for accident victims and their families, especially in cases of catastrophic injury or wrongful death.
In 2022 alone, there were approximately 2,932 hit-and-run fatalities in the U.S., accounting for about 6.8% of all fatal crashes that year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In Florida, specifically, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) estimates that an astounding 25% of all vehicle accidents in the state are hit-and-runs.
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Top insights from Florida hit-and-run accident statistics
To better understand the causes and impact of hit-and-run accidents in our state, let’s look at some statistics on hit-and-run crashes in Florida based on 2023 data from the FLHSMV:
- In 2023 alone, there were an estimated 104,273 hit-and-run crashes, a decrease of a meager 1% from the previous year.
- The majority of these crashes (83%) involved property damage only, with no injuries or fatalities reported.
- Florida hit-and-run drivers caused 271 fatalities and 871 serious injuries in 2023.
- Pedestrians and bicycle riders suffered the most fatalities from these accidents, with 159 pedestrians and 47 bicyclists killed in 2023, accounting for an astounding 76% of hit-and-run fatalities that year.
- In 2023, more than 80% of hit-and-run fatalities occurred during dawn, dusk, or night, when visibility was more likely to be impaired.
Throughout the years, visibility has been a major factor in hit-and-run fatalities in Florida. In fact, from 2015 to 2023, there were 2,169 hit-and-run fatalities, with approximately 84%, or 1,821 fatalities, occurring during dawn, dusk, or night.
There are a couple of factors that have likely led to this troubling trend. First, low-light conditions make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles on the road, increasing the chance of an accident.
Second, these same conditions create an opportunity for hit-and-run drivers to escape the scene under the cover of darkness, potentially because they’re less worried about being identified.
This combination of poor visibility and the perceived opportunity to escape accountability creates a dangerous situation for vulnerable road users in Florida, making it essential that pedestrians and bicyclists take extra precautions during these times. Wearing reflective clothing, using lights, and staying in well-lit areas can help increase their visibility to drivers and reduce the risk of accidents.
Common characteristics of hit-and-run drivers
According to an analysis by The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers involved in hit-and-run fatalities often share several common characteristics.
These drivers are more likely to be young men with at least one prior arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI), and they frequently have a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the hit-and-run accident.
They also tend to drive older vehicles, indicating a lower socioeconomic status and a possible inability to be financially accountable for the incident due to a lack of insurance.
When examining all hit-and-run crashes, not just those involving fatalities, the profile of hit-and-run drivers shows more variation, with one Canadian study finding that women over 54 years old had the highest likelihood of fleeing the scene after a collision, and another study from Singapore finding that men between the ages of 45 and 69 were most often responsible for these accidents.
These insights emphasize the complexity of these incidents and underscore the importance of targeted interventions, such as stricter penalties for repeat offenders, improved public awareness campaigns, and enhanced law enforcement efforts to deter and apprehend hit-and-run drivers.
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Why do hit-and-run drivers flee the scene of an accident?
A 2017 study by researchers in the Department of Criminology at the University of Leicester explored the motivations behind why hit-and-run drivers flee the scene. Through structured interviews with individuals convicted in hit-and-run crashes involving property damage or injury (but no fatalities), the study uncovered diverse reasons for fleeing:
- Self-preservation (40%). Many drivers fled to protect themselves. Reasons included fears of being scammed or wanting to conceal illegal activities, such as driving without a license.
- Perception of insignificance (30%). Some drivers did not stop because they believed the crash was relatively minor.
- Unawareness (15%). Some drivers claimed they did not realize they were involved in a crash in the first place.
- Concealing impairment (13%). Other drivers admit that they fled to hide the fact that they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Due to the varied reasons drivers leave the scene of an accident, it’s crucial to implement a broad range of strategies to combat these accidents, using law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and available technology like dashcams, red light cameras, and surveillance to capture and identify offenders.
What factors increase the likelihood that a hit-and-run driver will be caught?
According to the University of Leicester study, certain factors increase the likelihood of a hit-and-run driver being identified and arrested after a fatal crash:
- Time of day and daylight conditions. Crashes that occur during daylight hours are more likely to result in the identification and arrest of the driver. Better visibility makes it easier for witnesses to see and report details about the vehicle and driver.
- Rural areas. Hit-and-run incidents in rural areas have a higher likelihood of leading to driver identification. This could be due to the lower traffic volume and fewer escape routes, making it harder for drivers to flee without being noticed.
- Geographic location. Crashes occurring in northern and eastern U.S. states are more likely to result in the identification of the hit-and-run driver. This could be influenced by differing laws, law enforcement practices, or resource allocation in different regions.
- Victim demographics. Drivers who flee crashes involving children under the age of 16 or women are more likely to be identified later. This may be because these incidents often receive more public attention and law enforcement focus, increasing the chances of apprehending the driver.
- Crash location. Hit-and-run crashes that happen in locations other than roads or crosswalks, such as parking lots or private property, are about twice as likely to lead to the driver’s identification. These locations often have more surveillance cameras and witnesses, aiding in the investigation.
By understanding these variables, law enforcement agencies can better strategize their efforts to apprehend offenders and bring justice to victims and their families.
Were you injured in a hit-and-run accident in Tampa?
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Tampa, it’s crucial to take the appropriate steps to find the driver and secure the compensation you deserve. Start by reporting the accident to the police and providing as much information as possible. Gathering evidence, such as witness statements and any available video footage, can also aid in identifying the responsible driver.
At Lorenzo and Lorenzo, our experienced Tampa hit-and-run attorneys can help you navigate this challenging process. We’ll work tirelessly to assist in the investigation and build a strong personal injury claim on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you need.
References
Hit-and-Run Crashes: Prevalence, Contributing Factors and Countermeasures. (n.d.). https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/18-0058_Hit-and-Run-Brief_FINALv2.pdf
Hopkins, M., Chivers, S., & Stevenson-Freer, G. (2017). Hit-and-run: why do drivers fail to stop after an accident? Hit-and-run: why do drivers fail to stop after an accident? Contexts of incidents, driver motivations and preventative strategies. https://www.mib.org.uk/media/350114/hit-and-run-why-do-drivers-fail-to-stop-after-an-accident.pdf
Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2022. (2024). https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813560
Stay at the Scene. (n.d.). Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/hitrun/
