FHP Makes Push to Decrease Hit-and-Run Crashes - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

FHP Makes Push to Decrease Hit-and-Run Crashes

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By Ken McVay - bio | email

Florida has seen an increase of fatal hit-and-run crashes during the last two years. The Florida Highway Patrol is partnering with the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Police of Chiefs Association and the Florida Department of Transportation to combat the problem. The campaign aims to reduce the number of hit-and-run crashes in Florida by educating drivers on their responsibilities if involved in a crash and the consequences they face if they leave a crash scene.

"Hit-and-run crashes are a growing problem in Florida," said FHP Director, Col. David Brierton. "Florida had nearly 70,000 hit-and-run crashes last year. We hope the education awareness campaign and our partnerships with Florida law enforcement agencies and FDOT will help us meet our mission goals of traffic safety."

This week, the Patrol is hosting press conferences throughout the state to focus on the victims, Florida law and active cases. For more information about hit-and-run crash facts and tips, visit http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/HitRun/.

  • CALL law enforcement.
  • REMAIN calm.
  • ATTAIN vehicle, witness and driver information.
  • SKETCH the scene, showing vehicle crash locations.
  • HELP the injured.

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    A few hit-and-run facts for Florida:

    Hit-and-run crashes involving fatalities increased from 162 in 2011 to 168 in 2012.

  • The number of hit-and-run crashes statewide equaled 69,994 in 2012.
  • Three out of every five fatalities in 2012 were pedestrians struck in hit-and-run crashes.

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    What does Florida law say?

    The driver must immediately stop and remain at the scene, must exchange information and render reasonable assistance to any injured persons.

  • Leaving the scene of a crash involving a death commits a felony of the first degree and carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in a state correctional facility and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries commits a felony of the third degree and carries a maximum penalty of five years in a state correctional facility and/or a fine up to $5,000.
  • Leaving the scene involving property damage commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in a county jail and/or fine of $500.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FDHSMV or find us on Facebook.

What to do after a crash: