- San Francisco County leads the nation, with 26.81% of all fatal crashes involving a hit-and-run.
- New York’s Bronx County comes second, with Philadelphia in third.
- Three New York counties feature on the list.
A recent study by the personal injury firm Shane Smith Law has identified the states with the highest rates of fatal hit-and-run crashes.
It analyzed hit-and-run data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over three years, from 2020 to 2023. This data was scaled to show the percentage of hit-and-run fatal crashes when looking at all fatal crashes.
The research found that California’s San Francisco County has the highest rate of fatal hit-and-run crashes, with 26.81% of all fatal crashes involving a hit-and-run in the time studied. 138 fatal crashes were recorded in the county, with 37 involving a hit-and-run.
New York’s Bronx County comes second, with 24.35% of all fatal crashes between 2020 and 2023 involving a hit-and-run. 193 fatal crashes were recorded in total, with 47 involving a hit-and-run.
Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia County takes third, with 23.39% of all fatal crashes involving a hit-and-run. 127 of the 543 fatal crashes recorded involved a hit-and-run.
In fourth place is New York County, with a percentage of 23.36%. 137 fatal crashes were reported in the area in the time studied, with 32 involving a hit-and-run.
Rounding out the top five is New Jersey’s Essex County, with a percentage of 23.12%. 199 fatal crashes were recorded in the area, with 46 involving a hit-and-run.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Shane Smith Law said, “These statistics highlight a critical issue on our roads. The high rates of deadly hit-and-run crashes in certain states make it evident that increased public awareness and stronger community efforts to address this problem are required. Staying at the scene after an accident is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one, as it can significantly impact the chances of saving lives.”