The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study March 11, 2026, revealing that hit-and-run crashes reached a record high in 2023, with 15% of all police-reported crashes involving a driver who fled the scene—the highest percentage in recent years.
The research, based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data from the Crash Report Sampling System and Fatality Analysis Reporting System, estimated more than 900,000 police-reported hit-and-run crashes nationwide in 2023. These incidents caused over 240,000 injuries and 2,872 deaths. The trend shows a steady increase in hit-and-run involvement over recent years, exacerbating harm by delaying medical aid and evading accountability.
Vulnerable road users face heightened risks. One in four pedestrians and nearly as many cyclists killed in 2023 were struck by fleeing drivers. Fatal hit-and-runs most often occur late at night or early morning when darkness reduces visibility and witnesses are scarce.
Among identified drivers in fatal hit-and-runs, 40% lacked a valid license, and more than half drove vehicles not registered in their name. Most were young males who crashed near their homes.
Roadside service providers also remain at risk. AAA tracked 15 roadside worker fatalities in 2023 from vehicle strikes, with at least six involving hit-and-run drivers. These incidents highlight dangers for technicians assisting stranded motorists near traffic.
Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation, stated, “While the reasons drivers flee vary, the outcomes are often too severe or fatal and our analysis shows the percentage of this crash type continues to increase during the past several years. Drivers must understand that leaving the scene only compounds the harm. Staying, calling for help, and taking responsibility can save lives.”
Cliff Ruud, managing director of automotive services at AAA, added emphasis on roadside safety: “Every time a roadside technician steps out of their vehicle, they’re putting themselves in harm’s way to help someone else. When a driver flees the scene, it puts our technicians at even greater risk. These are people with families who should make it home at the end of their shift—and too often, hit-and-run drivers take that chance away. Drivers have the power to protect them—slow down, move over, and stay alert when you see flashing lights.”
Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research, outlined solutions: “Bringing down the number of hit-and-run crashes will take a multi-pronged approach. Stronger enforcement, smarter use of technology, and public education can work together to change behavior—and we already have the tools to make a real difference and save lives.”
Recommended measures include automatic crash notifications via vehicles and smartphones, safer road designs for pedestrians and cyclists, stricter legal consequences, consistent enforcement, traffic cameras, and “Yellow Alerts” to solicit public tips after serious hit-and-runs. Research indicates drivers are less likely to flee if they believe detection is probable.
In Maryland, overall traffic fatalities declined significantly in recent years, dropping from 582 in 2024 to 480 in 2025—the lowest since 2014—with notable reductions in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths. Specific hit-and-run statistics for the state align with national trends in vulnerability for pedestrians, though statewide data from the Maryland Highway Safety Office focuses on total crashes and fatalities without breaking out hit-and-run percentages for 2023. Southern Maryland has seen recent fatal pedestrian strikes, including incidents in Waldorf, La Plata, and Accokeek, underscoring ongoing risks to those outside vehicles.
The AAA Foundation urges drivers to remain at crash scenes, call emergency services, and prioritize safety around vulnerable users and roadside workers to reverse the upward trend in hit-and-run incidents.