FHP warns drivers of heightened hit-and-run penalties

Palm Coast Observer
News

The following is an adapted news release from the Florida Highway Patrol:

Florida has experienced an alarming increase in the number of fatal hit and run crashes during the last two years: Hit and run crashes involving fatalities increased 23% from 2013 to 2014, and the number of hit and run crashes statewide has increased 7% from 2013 to 2014.

A total of forty-six counties saw an increase in hit and runs from 2013 to 2014, and nearly half of the hit and run fatalities in 2014 were pedestrians, a 17% increase from 2013. A total of 25% of all crashes are hit and run crashes.

Tougher penalties

Last year, Governor Scott signed the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act into law, enhances the penalties for leaving the scene of a crash.

The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act:

Punishes leaving the scene of a crash resulting in serious bodily injury to a person as a second degree felony, rather than a third degree felony.
Imposes a mandatory minimum term of four years in prison for a driver convicted of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in a person's death.
Increases the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment from two to four years for a driver convicted of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in a person's death of while driving under the influence.
Imposes a minimum driver license revocation period of at least three years, and driver education requirements for leaving the scene of a crash.
Ranks offenses for leaving the scene of a crash one level higher than specified in the Criminal Punishment Code if the victim of the offense was a “vulnerable road user” (such as a pedestrian, a bicyclist or a motorcyclist).

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is partnering with the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the Florida Department of Transportation and Students Against Destructive Decisions to get the message out that fleeing the scene of an accident can result in tougher penalties.

The campaign aims to reduce the number of hit and run crashes in Florida by educating drivers about their responsibilities in the event of a crash, and the consequences they face if they leave a crash scene.

"There were more than 80,000 hit and run crashes in Florida last year, a 7% increase from 2013," DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said. "Leaving the scene makes the situation worse, not only for those who flee, but even more so for the victims left behind. It is crucial that all individuals involved in a crash, including witnesses to a crash, contact 911 and remain at the scene until help arrives. Every life matters and every second counts."

The Florida Highway Patrol advises people involved in a crash to follow the following "CRASH" sequence of actions:

CALL law enforcement.
REMAIN calm.
ATTAIN vehicle, witness and driver information.
SKETCH the scene, showing vehicle crash locations.
HELP the injured.

“At the Florida Department of Transportation, safety is our number one priority,” FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold said. “Every life counts! Through the Alert Today Florida Campaign we’re implementing a multipronged approach that includes high visibility enforcement, education, engineering, and emergency services to drive down fatalities on Florida’s roadways.”

For more information about hit and run crash facts and tips, visit http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/HitRun/.