BREAKING NEWS LCSO: Lehigh Acres shooting investigation underway

FHP: Number of hit-and-run crashes rising across Florida

Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Lee County ranks ninth in the state of Florida for hit-and-run crashes, Florida Highway Patrol officers said in a press conference Monday morning.

FHP is looking to educate drivers through a new hit-and-run awareness campaign to address the rising number of crashes. In 2015, there were 92,000 hit-and-run crashes in the state, resulting in over 19,000 injuries and 186 fatalities, officials said.

“Nobody want this to happen, nobody plans for something like this to happen,” said Misty Snyder whose brother Todd was killed in a crash on Nov. 7, 2014.

The driver left the scene of the crash, leaving the family with lots of unanswered questions.

“He would have wanted this person to take responsibility,” Snyder said. “It’s just hard to not know exactly what happened and to not be able to have that peace and closure.”

Along with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, FHP officials want drivers to be aware of their responsibilities if they get into a crash, and the consequences of leaving the scene.

“If you are in a crash, do not leave the scene,” said Terry Rhodes, DHSMV executive director. “Remaining on the scene will not only spare a driver significant legal penalties, but may save a life.”

“People leave the scene of a crash for several reasons,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “No matter what the reason, as a driver, it is your responsibility to remain at the crash scene to respond and help anyone who’s injured.”

Last year, 18-27 year olds were charged with more than a third of all hit and run crashes, authorities said.

 

 

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.