Hit-and-run crashes are becoming more common, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The study found that 15 percent of all police-reported crashes in 2023 involved a driver who fled the scene, the highest percentage recorded in recent years. In California, of the 28,489 fatal crashes recorded between 2017 and 2023, about 10.5 percent involved a hit-and-run driver.
Researchers say the trend highlights a growing crisis on America’s roads, leaving injured victims without help and, in many cases, without accountability for those responsible.
The problem is also affecting people who work along roadways. According to tracking by AAA, 15 roadside service providers were struck and killed while working along the roadside last year. At least six of those fatalities involved drivers who fled the scene.
“Roadside safety starts with all of us and AAA is committed to protecting everyone who works or waits at the roadside,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group. “These are people with families who should make it home at the end of their shift. Hit-and-run drivers can take that chance away. Drivers have the power to protect them by slowing down, moving over, and staying alert when they see flashing lights or any vehicle stopped along the roadside.”
The research also found that many fatal hit-and-run crashes occur late at night or in the early morning hours, when darkness and fewer witnesses make it easier for drivers to flee. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable. In 2023, roughly one in four pedestrians killed in crashes was struck by a driver who left the scene, along with nearly as many cyclists.
Among drivers identified in fatal hit-and-run crashes, about 40 percent did not have a valid driver’s license, and more than half were driving vehicles that were not registered in their name. Researchers also found that many of the drivers were young males and often crashed relatively close to their homes.
The findings suggest that drivers are less likely to flee when they believe they will be caught, highlighting the potential value of tools such as traffic cameras and “Yellow Alerts,” which notify the public and request information following serious or fatal hit-and-run crashes.
The AAA Foundation recommends several approaches to reduce hit-and-run crashes, including automatic crash notification systems in vehicles and smartphones, safer road designs that better protect pedestrians and cyclists, and stronger accountability measures with clear legal consequences for drivers who leave the scene.
“Bringing down the number of hit-and-run crashes will take a multi-pronged approach,” Johnson said. “Stronger enforcement, smarter use of technology, and public education can work together to change behavior.”
The lack of competence behind the wheel of a car is downright astonishing.
I was coming back from a haircut on Clayton Road the other day and was cut off by a driver turning right off Bailey who didn’t see the big f’n bus stopped right in front of them. Then they were almost hit by another idjit pulling out of a parking lot, sending the first bozo over into my lane again.
Sometimes I miss my air horn.
I had a 1935 Ford truck that had a super loud AHOOGA! horn.
That one will make ’em squirt their shorts.
I use my Ahhhoooga horn all the time on my ’56 F-100 hot rod all the time!
My insurance guy recently told me the industry estimates put the percentage of uninsured drivers in California is close to 40%!!! Put that together with the ridiculous number of cars I see with expired registration, and I conclude that people don’t give a rip.
I believe it – I was told one out of 3 doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have a drivers license. So when you pull up to an intersection and stop – the guy to the left or to the right of you isn’t a legal driver.
We are a very sick society,,, Noone values human life all they care about is their phone full of fantasy friendships and boasting self online.
I wonder what the rate of people given a license in Ca that are not allowed to have a license in most other states “we know what I am talking about” and they don’t have insurance so they just leave to avoid persecution. I know when you do not insure your car they hold your registration (more than half not reg. in their names). just a curiosity.
My agent told me 50% of claims are un-insured. That’s pretty much why premiums are high.
Easy fix you can’t renew your registration without proof of insurance.
First, the license is too easy to get.
Second, In this area cars don’t stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, they swerve around them, at speed.
Third, both red light and stop sign running have reached epic proportions.
And fourth, this area was never designed for this level of traffic. No wonder you rarely see a car pulled over and written up by law enforcement.
With statistics like this, what else would you expect?