One of the worst things that can occur on the road is a hit and run accident.
This typically happens when a motorist — after hitting one or more people with a vehicle — flees the scene rather than waits for the authorities to arrive.
Unfortunately, these occurrences aren’t uncommon. They happen, in fact, with alarming frequency. Whether you’re a motorist or a pedestrian, you’ll want to check out these 4 little-known facts about hit and run car accidents.
You might be shocked at some of the things you learn below. Here we go!
1. Hit and Run Car Accidents Occur Once a Minute
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in a 2018 study, more than one hit and run accident happens every minute on roads in the country. If you really stop to think about it, you’ll see that this is a mind-boggling statistic.
It will help you to grasp just how common hit and run vehicle accidents are. As well, it will also highlight the need for people to be more cautious.
2. Bicyclists and Pedestrians Impacted the Most
Ready for more hit and run car accident statistics? The same AAA study finds that south of 65% of people who lost their lives due to a hit and run crime were bicyclists and pedestrians.
It comes as no surprise that a collision involving a car and a person or a car and a cyclist will result in the person or the cyclist suffering the brunt of the damage. But this doesn’t make the aforementioned statistic any less alarming.
3. The Numbers Are Climbing
Considering all the news reports about hit and run car accidents, you could be forgiven if you were to believe that the situation was improving. But you would, unfortunately, be wrong. The fact is that the numbers are actually rising.
According to the AAA study, the hit and run death rate has, since 2009, been climbing by an average of 7.2% annually. So the problem, rather than getting better, is actually getting worse.
And this is despite the heightened awareness of the hit and run car accident problem. This highlights the need for people to be more responsible — and this means reporting a hit and run car accident
4. 682,000 Hit and Run Accidents Per Year on Average
Ready for another statistic likely to knock your socks off? The AAA study reveals that there were, on average, 682,000 hit and run accidents annually since 2006.
It’s a big number to process. Hundreds of thousands of hit and run accidents occur on U.S. roadways, highways, and parking lots each and every year.
If you happen to be involved in a hit and run accident, you’ll want to get legal counsel from a reputable and experienced law firm like Sweetlaw.com. You’ll get the help you need at a time when you’ll need all the help you can get.
Hit and Run Crime Is Everybody’s Business
Hit and run car accidents are everybody’s business. So whether you’re a motorist, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, you’ll want to stay safe and show consideration for others who are out and about.
While hit and run events aren’t uncommon, you can potentially avoid being part of the statistics if you take the right precautions.
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