Fatal hit-and-run crashes: Factors associated with leaving the scene

Introduction: Hit-and-run crashes are a criminal offense that leave the victim without prompt medical care or the ability to receive financial compensation. Method: The purpose of the current study was to quantify the factors associated with the probability that a driver leaves the scene of a fatal crash, using multiple imputation to incorporate information from drivers who were never apprehended and thus whose characteristics were unknown. Results: The results of this study show that in addition to driver, vehicle, and environmental factors having significant impacts on the likelihood of a driver fleeing the scene, economic and demographic factors are important as well. Practical Applications: This analysis allows for a more holistic understanding of hit-and-run crashes and informs potential countermeasures and future research. (c) 2021 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reveals the significant factors contributing to drivers fleeing the scene of a crash, including driver, vehicle, environmental, economic, and demographic factors. By analyzing these results, a better understanding of hit-and-run crashes can be gained for potential countermeasures and future research.