Hit and Run Accidents on the Rise

The statistics relating to hit and run accidents do not make for pleasant reading. It’s estimated that the number of accidents between 1999 and 2001 rose by 19% and has been steadily rising ever since.

Even more worryingly, one of every 5 pedestrians killed on US road is the result of a hit and run accident (source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

The question which many safety advisors are asking is why is the number so high.

Of course, the problem with many Arlington hit and run accidents is that the perpetrator cannot be found in order to ask why they chose to flee the scene. However, from those that are caught, there are a number of reasons:

Illegal Drivers

The AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety found that 21% of all fatal crashes which occurred from 1993 to 1999 involved those drivers without a valid license. Whilst there is no official figure as to how many unlicensed experts believe the figure could be in the millions and many believe that this is one of the major reasons as to why there are so many hit and run accidents. AAA found that unlicensed drivers are some 66.36 times more likely to be involved in a hit and run accident than a driver with a full license.

Illegal Immigrants

A further theory is that illegal immigrants could be responsible for the high number of hit and run accidents. Staying on the scene to explain themselves could lead to deportation or prosecution and therefore they flee the scene to avoid punishment.