TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Each year in February, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and our public safety partners participate in a hit-and-run awareness campaign. This initiative encourages drivers involved in traffic crashes to remain on the scene.

Despite ongoing efforts, many key statistics have remained constant over the years. Hit-and-run crashes often occur during dawn, dusk, low light, or inclement weather. Pedestrians and cyclists represent the highest number of fatalities.

P-Indicates preliminary data.

So, with several contributing factors remaining unchanged, why do the numbers persistently increase or stay the same?

The three most common reasons a driver might not remain at the scene of a traffic crash are:

Fear: This can stem from concerns about potential consequences (such as arrest, tickets, or jail), possible confrontations with the other driver or bystanders, prior encounters with law enforcement, or having an invalid driver’s license.

Environment: Factors include visibility issues, roadway conditions (such as where to pull over), and adverse weather conditions.

State of Driver: The driver’s condition can play a significant role, especially if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or are distracted.

Understanding these contributing factors makes it clear that staying at the scene of a traffic crash is the best option and a legal requirement. Under Florida law, a driver MUST stop immediately at the scene of a crash on public or private property that results in property damage, injury, or death.

If a driver leaves the scene, the consequences include fines, jail time, revocation of driver license and even prison.

• If the crash involves property damage, leaving the scene is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
• Leaving the scene of a crash with injuries is a second or third-degree felony. A driver, when convicted, will have their driver’s license revoked for at least three years and can be sentenced to up to five years in prison and incur a $5,000 fine.
• Drivers leaving the scene of a crash with a fatality could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison and incur a $10,000 fine.

“Leaving the scene of a traffic crash is not merely a choice; it’s an act that disregards the impact to others involved, be it to their property or person,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “The consequences of leaving the scene far outweigh those of staying. FHP is committed to ensuring that individuals take responsibility for their actions and understand the serious implications of being involved in a hit-and-run crash.”

“You may not intend to be involved in a collision, but when someone leaves the scene of a crash, it immediately turns their actions from unintentional to criminal,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “As law enforcement, we are dedicated to hunting down hit-and-run drivers and holding individuals accountable for jeopardizing the safety of others. It’s simple: Stay at the scene if you are involved in a crash.”

“As a father of young drivers, my hope is that if they were every involved in an accident, they, along with the other drivers involved, remember the importance of responsible driving, and remain at the scene until our law enforcement officers arrive,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “FDOT is proud to partner with the Florida Highway Patrol and other law enforcement