February is Hit-and-Run Awareness Month. From 2015 to 2020, there were 600,185 hit-and-run crashes in Florida. Of those crashes, 1,298 resulted in fatalities. Most fatalities occur in dark conditions when it is hard to see anyone on the road. Staying at the scene of an accident until law enforcement arrives is lawful and could potentially save a life.

In effort to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has launched the “Stay at the Scene” campaign.  This campaign is also an effort to educate drivers of their responsibilities should they be involved in a crash and choose not to Stay at the Scene.  Hit-and-Run penalties are grouped by Property Damage, Injuries, and Fatalities and include punishments of prison sentencing, fines, and a revoked license.

The FLHSMV encourages you to participate in their campaign by using the image below and #StayAtTheSceneFL in social media posts. Additional photos are available for download and social media use on the FLHSMV Hit-and-Run web page.

If you ever witness a hit-and-run crash, law enforcement encourages you to contact them with any information you may have.  You can also report it by calling *FHP (*347), or submit an anonymous tip by calling your local Crime Stoppers organization, Florida Crime Stoppers **TIPS (**8477), or using the Florida Crime Stoppers mobile app.