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Jacksonville Area Sees 13 Fatal Hit-and-Run Accidents Already This Year

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It seems like every time you turn on the news there has been another hit-and-run accident in our area. The Florida Highway Patrol reports 13 fatal hit-and-runs in Jacksonville alone this year.

Just this week a man was killed while riding a scooter on Normandy Boulevard. A driver turned himself in later. According to news reports the driver said he thought he hit a deer. He has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident. A bicyclist was also critically injured this week by a hit-and-run driver on Cassat Avenue. There were no witnesses and police are still trying to track down the driver who fled the scene.

Florida lawmakers passed legislation this year to beef up the punishment for drivers who flee the scene of accidents. Under the new law, drivers face a mandatory 4-year prison term if the accident caused serious injuries or death. The stiffer penalties also include driver’s license revocation for a minimum of 3 years if a death or serious injury results from a hit-and-run. Lawmakers realized many drivers who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol simply fled the scene, sobered up and then turned themselves in later. It is hoped that the new tougher laws will discourage that.

There are numerous hit-and-run accidents in our area that have yet to be solved. Police say these cases can be tough because there’s often a lack of witnesses. Typically hit-and-runs occur late at night or in the early morning hours when it is dark. Investigators often seek the public’s help in tracking down the drivers who have damage to their vehicles.

Speed and distracted driving are both seen as reasons for the rise in hit-and-runs. Drivers may look away briefly and not see a pedestrian or cyclist in their path. Pedestrians and those on bikes or scooters also need to be aware of these dangers and wear bright, reflective clothing and use lights or flashers that can be easily seen by drivers. Pedestrians are urged to walk facing traffic and to use crosswalks to get across busy roadways.

Obviously the slower a driver is going, the better chance the pedestrian has to survive. The numbers are quite staggering. A pedestrian’s risk of severe injury at 35 mph is 64% and risk of death at 35 mph is 30%. At 45 mph the risk of severe injury is 89% and risk of death at 45mph is 60%. (Source: Impact Speed and a Pedestrian’s Risk of Severe Injury or Death. September 2011 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)

The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic asks that all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians be alert and aware of the many hazards on our roadways. The extra caution you take could save a life.