One in Four Pedestrian Injury Accidents Involve Hit-and-Run, Vias Institute Reports

A concerning trend in traffic safety has emerged, with Vias Institute reporting that one in four accidents resulting in pedestrian injuries involves a driver fleeing the scene. This phenomenon is also significantly impacting cyclists. While most perpetrators are eventually apprehended, the persistent high rate of these offenses remains troubling. The data indicates a rise in such incidents; two years ago, approximately one in five accidents involving injured or fatally injured pedestrians were hit-and-run cases. This figure has now climbed to one in four injury-related accidents. Last year alone, 1,006 pedestrians became victims of hit-and-run incidents, according to Vias Institute figures. Although hit-and-run offenses occur relatively more frequently when pedestrians are injured, cyclists are involved in a higher absolute number of these cases. A total of 1,819 cyclists were victims of hit-and-run accidents, representing 15 percent of all cycling accidents. Drivers also frequently attempt to evade responsibility in accidents involving electric scooters and mopeds. In 2025, there were 4,814 injury-related accidents where the driver fled, an increase of nearly 200 cases compared to 2024. Over the past decade, this represents an 8 percent rise, from 4,467 in 2014 to 4,814 in 2025. In total, 5,297 victims were affected by hit-and-run incidents nationwide last year: 20 individuals lost their lives, 200 sustained severe injuries, and 5,077 suffered minor injuries. Previous research suggests that drivers involved in hit-and-run incidents often have consumed alcohol and/or drugs. Additionally, it is common for these drivers to lack proper documentation, such as a valid driver's license or insurance.