Fatal Hit-and-Run Crashes Reach Record High, AAA Foundation Study Finds
Imagine crossing the street and suddenly losing consciousness—only to wake up injured in the roadway as the vehicle that struck you disappears into the night, leaving no driver behind to help or call for assistance. New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates hit-and-run crashes like that are becoming more common across the United States. In 2023, 15% of all police-reported crashes involved a driver who fled the scene, the highest percentage recorded in recent years. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable. About one in four pedestrians killed in crashes in 2023—and nearly as many cyclists—were struck by drivers who left the scene. Many of these incidents occur at night or in the early morning hours, when visibility is lower and help may not be immediately available. So, what are the solutions that will save lives? Jake Nelson, who is AAA’s Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research says bringing down the number of hit-and-run crashes will take a multi-pronged approach including stronger enforcement, smarter use of technology, and public education, which he says can work together to change behavior. Research suggests drivers are less likely to flee when they believe they will be caught, pointing to the potential impact of traffic cameras and “Yellow Alerts” that notify and seek information from the public after serious or fatal hit-and-run crashes.
AAA Club Alliance Spokesperson Morgan Dean tells the Talk of Delmarva what might be driving this increase…
Dean says probably some drivers are afraid of being caught on the road without a driver’s license and in many cases driving someone else’s vehicle. He adds that probably some of that is inexperience with younger drivers as well.
Dean tells the Talk of Delmarva if mostly this a big-city problem, or if hit-and-run crashes are happening in smaller communities and rural areas as well…
Dean also talked about the bigger picture behind these numbers. When a driver flees the scene, the victim may be left injured—or even critically injured—with no one there to call 911. Minutes can pass before someone else comes along and realizes what happened, and that lost time can make the difference between life and death.
He talked about why impairement cannot really be assessed in a lot of these cases.
Dean adds that it is believed that impaired driving is also a part of this whole problem, but that factor doesn’t show up in the data because of the nature of these crashes.
He also mentioned how certain tools can help reduce the number of hit-and-run crashes…
He says that smart phones–notifying friends and loved ones that there’s been a crash and calls made through apps and onboard electronics can make a difference. Research suggests drivers are less likely to flee when they believe they will be caught, pointing to the potential impact of traffic cameras and “Yellow Alerts” that notify and seek information from the public after serious or fatal hit-and-run crashes.
He adds that pedestrians should do their parts as well…
Also crossing at lighted intersections is important, as that is where drivers are expected to see you.