“While the reasons drivers flee vary, the outcomes are often too severe or fatal and our analysis shows the percentage of this crash type continues to increase during the past several years,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Drivers must understand that leaving the scene only compounds the harm. Staying, calling for help, and taking responsibility can save lives.”

Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable. AAA says that 1 in 4 pedestrians and nearly as many cyclists killed in crashes in 2023 were hit by a driver who fled the scene. They are frequently struck in darkness during late-night or early morning hours, when visibility is low and there may be no one nearby to call for help.

Notable Findings:

• Hit-and-run fatalities most often occurred late at night or in the early morning hours when it is dark and witnesses are less likely to be present.
• Among known hit-and-run drivers in fatal crashes, 40% did not have a valid driver’s license, and more than half were driving vehicles that were not registered in their name.
• The majority of identified hit-and-run drivers were young, male, and crashed within a short distance of their homes.
• Research suggests drivers are less likely to flee when they believe they will be caught, pointing to the potential impact of traffic cameras and “Yellow Alerts” that notify and seek information from the public after serious or fatal hit-and-run crashes.