Hit-and–run fatal crashes are increasing in the United States, and most victims are pedestrians and bicyclists. We don’t entirely know why these crashes are increasing, because studies are limited, and data regarding the characteristics of drivers and victims is not extensive. Many hit-and-run drivers get away. Witnesses may not be present. But after analyzing federal data, however, researchers at the AAA Foundation have identified a trend and searched the literature for some potential contributing factors.
hit-and-run
Colorado uses innovative strategies to catch hit-and-run drivers
As a result of disturbing hit-and-run statistics, Colorado will be the first state to use a notification system similar to Amber Alerts when serious hit-and-run crashes occur. There are an astounding number of hit-and-run crashes that lead to fatalities in the U.S., and the rate is increasing. Crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the number of fatal hit-and-run crashes increased 14 percent between 2009 and 2011.