FHP Draws Attention To Hit-And-Run Crash Epidemic
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Florida Highway Patrol's statistics are more than sobering – they're staggering.
Miami-Dade and Broward see more hit-and-run crashes, more hit-and-run fatalities and most of the hit-and-run pedestrian deaths than any other county in Florida. And it's safe to say, any of us driving, riding our bike or walking on our streets would agree, it's time for change.
Miriam Sanchez was directly impacted by this type of crime. Her mother was killed while crossing the street in Kendall in December.
"She's never going to meet my children. She's never going to be there when I need her or even at my graduation and that's really hard to accept," said Sanchez.
Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Trooper Joe Sanchez said most will never fully understand the gravity of hit-and-run crashes in our community unless it impacts your life.
"If you are driving out there and you're like, 'Hey I don't want to get involved,' shame on you. Shame on you. I tell you and I tell everybody, pray to god that's not your son, your daughter or your wife or somebody you love out there," he said at an FHP news conference Monday afternoon.
FHP is bringing attention to the fact that the number of hit-and-run crashes has remained steady in Florida for years.
For those of us in Miami-Dade and Broward- that is especially alarming, because we lead the state in nearly every kind of hit-and-run, including those involving fatalities for the past decade.
"It's sad we have so many people down here that are willing to leave the scene and just forget about what happened, go on and live their daily life and live like nothing ever happened. It just amazes me that somebody could do that," said FHP Sgt. Mark Wysocky.
In 2015, Miami-Dade saw nearly three times as many deadly hit and runs as any other county.
"The message is very clear. It's the law. The law clearly states you cannot leave the scene. And if you do leave the scene, the minimum by law is four years. Go to prison for four years," said Trooper Sanchez.
Sanchez said the key to making arrests, besides appealing to the consciences of drivers who are ready to run, is for the rest of us to speak up if we see something.
"Help us. Help the authorities. We can't do it alone. We need your help," he said.
The discrepancy between the sentencing for leaving the scene of a deadly accident and DUI-related charges may be one of the reasons impaired drivers would choose to run.
There are relatively new changes to the law to try to make the sentences comparable, so that it simply isn't worth it to drunk drivers to leave.
If you have any information about any hit and run case, you can call FHP to report it or call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS or Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
