(Newswire.net — November 3, 2018) — Hit and run accidents have always been a problem, but the latest statistics show that their rate is increasing in the United States—both in frequency and severity. In 2015, there were 737,100 hit and run crashes in the United States, which is the equivalent of one hit and run accident every 43 seconds. In 2016, we saw the highest number of hit and run fatalities ever recorded, at 2,049.
With the advent of safety features in vehicles and a higher threat of being recorded thanks to advancing technology, you might assume that the rate of hit and run crashes would be decreasing. So why are we seeing the opposite?
Why Hit and Run Accidents Are Increasing
Scientific research on the precipitating factors of hit and run accidents is sparse, but there are a handful of factors that may be contributing to the increase:
- Lower gas prices. Part of the problem may be lower gas prices, which has put more vehicles on the road over the past several years. More people driving means a higher rate of accidents across the board, but doesn’t explain the specific spike in hit and run collisions.
- Pedestrian fatalities. It’s worth noting that pedestrian fatalities are especially high in hit and run collisions. Drivers are much more likely to flee if they feel they haven’t been seen or can’t be caught; when striking a pedestrian, it’s unlikely that the vehicle will be followed, regardless of any technological or safety advancements that might reduce accidents in other areas.
- Technological distractions. The prevalence of technology may also be a factor in increased hit and run accidents; distracted drivers are at higher risk of being involved in a collision, and in extreme cases, may not be aware they were involved in a collision in the first place.
- Poor environmental controls. There are several environmental factors that increase the chances of a driver fleeing after causing a collision. For example, intoxicated drivers are much more likely to flee the scene, in order to evade a strict DWI penalty, and hit and run crashes are much more likely to occur at night, when the identity of the driver is better hidden. Few advancements have been made to reduce intoxicated driving or improve visibility in public areas, so it stands to reason that hit and run accident rates wouldn’t decrease.
- Poor deterrents. The current school of thought is that harsher punishments for hit and run drivers are the right deterrent to prevent these accidents from occurring, but research suggests that areas with stricter laws or harsher punishments don’t have lower rates of hit and run incidents. Though researchers haven’t suggested which deterrence mechanism is ideal, we know our current system isn’t working effectively.
What to Do in a Hit and Run
With the rising rates of hit and run collisions, it’s important to know what to do if you’re ever the victim of one:
- Avoid a chase. It’s tempting to chase after the person who’s fleeing the scene, but this is always a bad idea. Doing so may increase the risk of another accident, and put far more people’s lives in danger. Collect whatever information you can without putting yourself at higher risk.
- Get a license plate number. If you can, get a license plate number and memorize it. That way, you can run a vehicle owner lookup at a later date, and ensure the police have the information necessary to track down the driver. At the very least, get a make, model, and color of the vehicle.
- Reach safety. If and when the offending vehicle is gone, get yourself to safety as quickly as possible. It’s important to minimize or prevent any further damage (to you or other pedestrians and drivers).
- File a police report. Call the police. You’ll want to record as many details as you can, as early as you can, to get your case on record. While you’re at it, see if you can secure an eyewitness testimony from anyone else on the scene.
- Get medical help. Don’t delay getting medical attention. Most insurance policies offer coverage in the event you’re struck by a hit and run driver. You may also be entitled to compensation if and when the driver is caught.
- Take legal action. Enlisting the help of a lawyer could lead you to the offending driver faster, and may be able to provide you with compensation for your injuries and/or pain and suffering.
Hit and run accidents may be increasing, but so are your options for preventing and dealing with those accidents. Make sure your car is well-maintained, so you stay safe on the road, and consider investing in a dash cam so you can record details of any accident where the perpetrator gets away.