- Madera County reported the highest rate of fatal hit-and-run crashes in California, with 2.26 cases per 100,000 residents.
- Kern (second) and Yuba (third) reported 2.13 and 1.93 hit-and-run crashes per 100,000 residents, respectively.
- Sacramento reported 1.52 hit-and-run crashes per 100,000 residents, the lowest among the top 10 California counties analyzed.
A new study reveals that Madera County has the highest rate of fatal hit-and-run crashes in California.
The research by personal injury law firm Kuzyk Law analyzed federal crash data on fatal hit-and-run incidents from 2019 to 2023, using data from the NHTSA database. Rates per 100,000 residents were calculated using average county populations to identify where residents face the greatest risks of deadly hit-and-run accidents.
Madera County leads the state with 2.26 fatal hit-and-run crashes per 100,000 residents, 175.6% higher than the statewide average of 0.82. From 2019 to 2023, the county averaged 3.6 fatal hit-and-run incidents annually, out of a population of 159,319. The number of cases peaked at 6 in 2023, while the lowest count was 1 in 2019.
Kern County ranks second with 2.13 per 100,000 residents, 159.8% higher than the statewide average of 0.82. The county recorded an average of 19.4 fatal hit-and-run crashes annually, within a population of 910,609. The number of cases peaked at 28 in 2021, while the lowest count was 12 in 2020.
Yuba County ranks third, with 1.93 fatal hit-and-run crashes per 100,000 residents, 135.4% above the statewide average of 0.82. The county reported an average of 1.6 cases annually, within a population of 82,747. The number of cases peaked at 3 in 2021 and 2023, while 2019 recorded zero incidents.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Kuzyk Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers commented:
“The findings highlight that counties such as Madera, Kern, and Yuba reported the highest risks of fatal hit-and-run crashes in California.
“Fatal hit-and-run crashes represent one of the most tragic outcomes on our roadways, with devastating impacts on families and communities. These disparities reflect complex interactions between road conditions, traffic volumes, driving behaviors, and law enforcement response capabilities.
“Addressing these challenges requires stronger prevention programs, better road safety infrastructure, and greater coordination between law enforcement and transportation agencies. Policymakers and advocates must recognize these alarming rates and invest in strategies that save lives.”