According to a news story published in The Independent Florida Alligator, the number of fatal hit-and-run collisions in Florida has been rising quickly.
The news report states that fatal hit-and-run collisions have risen in Florida since 2018. The accident report states that there was a 17% increase in hit-and-run collisions in 2021. Florida also had an 18% increase in traffic fatalities in 2020. 70% of hit-and-run traffic fatalities in 2021 involved pedestrians and cyclists, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ media release.
According to statistics gathered by the City of Gainesville, the city has had multiple pedestrian casualties in the past several years. Many of these pedestrian deaths involved students, and student organizations, like Florida Not One More, are working to persuade government officials to reduce speed limits on streets that lead into the city.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry Rhodes said in the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ media release that drivers who cause a crash with a pedestrian and then leave the scene of an accident with injuries, property damage, or fatality are showing a disregard for the lives of others.
Crime Stoppers of Florida and the Florida Highway Patrol are working together to encourage witnesses of these crashes to report them anonymously to law enforcement. According to Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Patrick Riordan, the agency is fully cognizant of the issue and is working to solve the problem. The Florida Highway Patrol is encouraging anonymous tips because most hit-and-run crashes remain unsolved for many years.
If you or a loved one were injured or if a loved one was fatally injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333).
