Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Fear Factor Behind Hit-and-Run Crashes

ORLANDO, 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.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Fear Factor Behind Hit-and-Run Crashes

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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.

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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.

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Of Florida’s 97,519 hit-and-run crashes last year, 81,205 involved property damage only, such as a parked car with no one inside, a mailbox, fence, or landscape/garden.

If involved in a crash involving property damage, you must stay at the scene and attempt to locate or contact the property owner. If you cannot find the property owner, the driver responsible for the crash should leave contact and insurance information in an identifiable location.

In the case of property damage only, the driver and crash victim can self-file a crash report with FLHSMV and do not need law enforcement to file one once contact has been initiated.

Drivers involved in traffic crashes should ALWAYS remain on the scene.

The consequences of leaving far outweigh those of staying, and this approach ensures that any injured parties receive necessary assistance, facilitates the proper exchange of information, and enables law enforcement to assess the situation accurately.