Following a recent news report estimating that approximately 48 percent of all traffic collisions that occur in the city of Los Angeles are hit-and-run accidents, one LA official is urging the city council to request a plan of action from the LA Police Department detailing upcoming efforts to reduce the frequency of these types of accidents and to catch and punish hit-and-run drivers for fleeing from the crash site.
Approximately 20,000 hit-and-run accidents occur in LA each year, nearly half of all accidents that occur. In contrast, approximately 11 percent of all traffic accidents that occur across the U.S. are hit and run collisions. An estimated 20 percent of all the hit-and-run accidents that occur in LA involve death or injuries, making the offense a potential felony, according to local bicycle safety advocates.
The city’s overall crime rate has decreased over the past several years, but according to LAPD statistics, the hit and run accident rate in Los Angeles has remained consistently higher than the national average. According to the recent news report, the LAPD’s traffic divisions have 12 officers assigned to cover approximately 400 hit-and-run accident investigations per officer. Hit and run accidents can be difficult to prosecute because the accused driver is often not located until it has become impossible to test for the use of drugs or alcohol.
I hope the number of hit-and-run accidents in LA can be reduced through the efforts of law enforcement officers and community leaders.