As personal injury attorneys, the team at OnderLaw has always been deeply committed to protecting the rights and well-being of accident victims. A new study reveals a harrowing trend that should concern everyone on the road.
A Decade of Deadly Escalation
From 2012 to 2021, there was an alarming 89.4% increase in fatal hit-and-run incidents. To put that in perspective, while there were 1,469 such tragedies in 2012, that number ballooned to 2,783 by 2021. It’s even more concerning when we consider that over these 10 years, fatal crashes only rose by 27.4%.
California’s Disturbing Leadership
Sadly, California leads the pack, accounting for 10.1% of all deadly hit-and-run crashes in the last decade. That’s a staggering 3,348 of the 33,252 fatal crashes in the state. Following close behind are Nevada and New Mexico, with 8.5% and 7.8%, respectively.
The Night is Far from Safe
An alarming discovery from the study is that hit-and-runs are more prevalent at night. A staggering 9.5% of fatal nighttime crashes over the past decade were hit-and-runs. That means 77.3% of these devastating incidents took place under the cloak of darkness.
Pedestrians at High Risk
A heart-wrenching finding from the research is that over six in ten fatal hit-and-runs involve a pedestrian. Over the studied decade, pedestrian deaths rose by an unnerving 53.7%. Our roads, especially in heavily car-centric areas, are becoming increasingly unsafe for those on foot.
The Dire Cost of Fleeing
It’s essential for drivers to understand the gravity of leaving the scene of an accident. The consequences of making such a decision can be devastating, both legally and morally. As Divya Sangameshwar, an auto insurance expert at ValuePenguin, rightly points out, the odds of escaping unidentified from a hit-and-run scene are slim. Drivers who flee can face severe legal repercussions.
The Road Ahead
At OnderLaw, we firmly believe in holding negligent drivers accountable. The surge in hit-and-run incidents is not just a statistic – it represents shattered families, lost lives, and devastated communities. We urge everyone on the road to practice safety, empathy, and responsibility. If you or a loved one has been affected by such an incident, know that we are here to support, guide, and fight for you. Together, we can work towards safer roads and justice for victims.
