Hit-and- Runs: 5 Times More Likely to Cause Death than Other Accidents

Traffic & Road Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-09-11 15:47:27 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 23:40:39

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A recent study reveals hit-and-runs as the culprit behind 1 in 5 road fatalities, a statistic five times greater than hails other road accidents. Who are these reckless drivers and what can be done to keep them off the road?

Headline Quote:

According to the study, hit-and-runs are responsible for 20% of fatal collisions but account for only 7% of serious injuries.

Intro:

Recently, a study published in the medical journal, Accident Analysis and Prevention, revealed shocking statistics about hit-and-runs in America. Using data collected between 2007 and 2016, the study revealed that hit-and-runs were the cause of 1 in 5 road deaths, a startling proportion compared to other accident types. Even more surprising, these incidents were found to be up to five times more likely to end in fatality than other types of crashes.

The study used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Automotive Sampling System General Estimates System, which tracks injuries and deaths from all types of traffic accidents.

Despite the fact that these incidents are considered felonies and carry legal consequences, the motivations behind hit-and-runs are often selfish and typically relate to fears of arrest or concerns over rising insurance premiums.

The study's authors have called for more to be done to address this issue. They argue that a comprehensive approach to traffic safety is required, with measures ranging from engineering to enforcement and legislation to education.

Conclusion:

The issue of hit-and-runs is multidimensional and impacted a staggering number of lives nationwide. This study highlighting the catastrophic effect they have on local communities, it is imperative that action is taken to curb this trend and bring these figures down. The authors of the study recommend a range of interventions and call for policymakers to take action. The next step will be seeing these recommendations put into practice and making our roads safer for everyone.

Go!