CA Has Worst Deadly Hit-And-Run Rate In Nation: Report

CALIFORNIA — California has the worst deadly hit-and-run rate in the country, according to a new report.

Over 1 in 10 fatal crashes in the Golden State involve a hit-and-run, according to research conducted by personal injury law firm Suzuki Law Offices. That's 66 percent higher than the national average and 20 percent higher than the second-ranking state.

"Statistics show that California has the worst rate in the nation," said Richard Suzuki, founding attorney from Suzuki Law Offices.

Of 18,137 fatal accidents in California, 1,901 involved a hit-and-run, according to the report. That's a rate of 10.5 percent, compared to the national average of 6.3 percent.

Research showed that hit-and-run rates in California soared past 10 percent from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m., peaking at 17 percent from 9-10 p.m.

"Analysis of nationwide data shows two-thirds of all hit-and-runs involved a pedestrian and a single vehicle during dark conditions," Suzuki said. "This suggests most hit-and-runs happen because the driver wants to avoid detection and the consequences of their actions. But if you hit a pedestrian with a car and flee the scene, it could potentially endanger their life and lead to more serious legal implications."

Illinois had the second-highest hit-and-run rate at 8.7 percent, according to the report. Third-ranking New Jersey had a rate of 8.5 percent. Maine had the lowest rate in the country, with less than 1 percent.

The report was compiled using the latest available data, from 2017 to 2021, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The report found these were the 10 states with the most deadly hit-and-run accidents: