Hit-and-Run Incidents on the Rise in Florida: A Call for Action

News Summary

Hit-and-run accidents are surging across Florida, prompting lawmakers and law enforcement to take action. Recent tragedies and alarming statistics highlight the urgency for new legislation and public awareness to address this growing epidemic. With over 100,000 hit-and-run incidents reported last year, community efforts are underway to curb these dangerous driving behaviors and enhance road safety for all Floridians.

Hit-and-Run Incidents on the Rise in Florida: A Call for Action

It seems like every day we hear more disturbing stories about hit-and-run accidents happening across Tampa Bay and throughout the state of Florida. As these incidents continue to escalate, lawmakers and law enforcement officers are stepping up to address the issue, fueled by both recent tragic cases and alarming statistics.

Recent Tragedies Bring Attention to Urgent Issue

Recent reports detail some truly heartbreaking incidents that have affected families and communities alike. In one harrowing case, an elderly woman faced charges in Sarasota after she struck and killed two young children and fled the scene—a decision that has drawn widespread outrage. In nearby Bradenton, another similar case involved Teresa Zeppi, who was convicted for hitting an elderly pedestrian during a peaceful walk, only to leave the victim behind.

In yet another disturbing event in Manatee County, two children were hospitalized after being struck by a driver who then sped away without checking on them. These incidents highlight an unsettling trend in hit-and-run accidents across the Sunshine State.

Alarming Statistics Set the Stage for Action

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were more than 100,000 hit-and-run crashes reported last year alone, causing a staggering 276 fatalities. Despite the tough penalties associated with such offenses, lawbreakers often choose to flee the scene; only about 13,000 drivers faced charges for these actions, which breaks down to an average of just 36 arrests per day.

A Proactive Approach to Combat the Epidemic

State Attorney Ed Brodsky has characterized the rise in hit-and-run incidents as nothing short of an “epidemic,” drawing attention to common factors like distracted driving and drivers’ instinctive panic when involved in an accident. To address these issues, the proposed Lilly Glaubach Act aims to require auto repair shops to request a crash report prior to servicing vehicles that show significant damage. This legislation is designed to support law enforcement by entering customer information into a database when a crash report is not available.

While the Lilly Glaubach Act garnered unanimous support in its first committee, it unfortunately did not pass in the previous session. Nevertheless, efforts to reinforce this legislation are ongoing.

Building Support to Tackle Hit-and-Run Incidents

Local prosecutors are taking a firm stance, pledging to utilize every tool at their disposal to pursue those who flee the scene of an accident. Drivers need to understand that remaining at the accident site to assist anyone who may be injured is not just the right thing to do, but it’s also legally required.

The Aaron Cohen Life Saving Act has already increased the minimum prison sentence for drivers who leave the scene of fatal accidents from two to four years, underscoring the seriousness of this crime.

A Driving Hazard: When and Where Hit-and-Runs Occur

Data indicates that the majority of hit-and-run incidents tend to occur during late-night hours or early evening, mainly between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.. This information can help drivers plan ahead and remain vigilant during these peak times when such unfortunate events are more likely to happen.

Since 2015, over one million hit-and-run crashes have taken place in Florida, resulting in 2,419 fatalities. It’s a staggering number that calls for attention, awareness, and action.

As Floridians continue to grapple with these preventable tragedies, community members, lawmakers, and law enforcement agencies must come together to foster safer driving practices, support legislative proposals aimed at curbing hit-and-run offenses, and promote education about the importance of responsible driving. Only then can we work toward a future where our roads are safe for everyone.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Vehicle Crash on I-4 in Tampa Claims Life
Mango, Florida: A Shocking Hit-and-Run Incident Unfolds
Sarasota Community Mourns After Hit-and-Run Tragedy
Tampa Incident Shakes Community as Two Women are Shot

Additional Resources

• WTSP News: Hit-and-Run Crashes Rise in Florida
• Wikipedia: Hit and Run
• Fox 13 News: Suspected Hit-and-Run Driver Arrested
• Google Search: Hit and Run Incidents Florida
• WTSP Investigates: Quarter Crashes Florida Hit-and-Runs
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
• Fox 13 News: Video Report on Hit-and-Run
• Google Scholar: Hit and Run Laws Florida