Politics & Government

Rep. Bradley Files Bill to Punish Hit-and-Run Drivers

Under Rep. Bradley's proposed bill, maximum prison time for some hit-and-run drivers would increase from 2 years to 10 years, and the maximum fine would increase from $1,000 to $10,000 per incident.

State Rep. Garrett J. Bradley, D-Hingham, has filed legislation last month that would make hit-and-run motor vehicle accidents a felony.

Under Rep. Bradley’s proposed  bill,  drivers who are convicted of leaving the scene of an accident after causing bodily injury or death would face stricter punishment.  Maximum prison time would increase from 2 years to 10 years, and the maximum fine would increase from $1,000 to $10,000 per incident, if Bradley’s bill is approved. 

The Hingham State Rep. said he filed the bill after a constituent who was severely injured by a hit-run driver contacted his office.

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“This courageous woman from Hull has undergone numerous surgeries to address her many medical problems caused by the accident, can no longer work and is barely able to walk,” Bradley said in a statement.  “ The convicted driver served less than one year in jail, and has paid nothing in restitution to help cover her significant medical expenses.”

The legislation is currently being reviewed by the Joint Committee on The Judiciary.

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