AAA study shows fatal hit-and-run crashes reach record highs

The American Automobile Association’s Foundation for Traffic Safety published a study on Thursday showing fatal hit-and-run crashes reached record numbers in 2023.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 69 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.

WVOW News

The study revealed one in seven crashes in 2023 involved a driver who fled the scene. Among known hit-and-run drivers in fatal crashes, data showed that 40% did not have a valid driver’s license, and more than half were driving vehicles not registered in their name.

The Foundation for Traffic Safety says pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable, with a quarter of pedestrians and nearly as many cyclists killed in hit-and-run incidents. A majority of those fatalities took place during late-night or early morning hours, when visibility is typically at its lowest and there will often be no one nearby to call for help.

AAA East Central’s Director of Public Affairs Jim Garrity says the minutes immediately following a crash are crucial for setting up an emergency response and getting life-saving care to the victim. According to Garrity, “research shows that bringing down the number of hit-and-runs can be accomplished through stronger enforcement, smarter use of technology, and education of the general public.”

Roadside service providers are at risk as well. AAA data shows 15 roadside workers struck and killed beside the road just last year. Out of those 15 fatalities, six of them were killed in a hit-and-run.

The best advice Garrity can offer to reduce hit-and-run incidents is to slow down, move over, stay alert when you see flashing lights, and stay off your phone when behind the wheel.

PHOTO | American Automobile Association