The state of Florida ranks seventh in the nation for fatal hit-and-run crashes, according to an analysis of 2023 federal traffic data. Florida recorded 246 fatal hit-and-run incidents last year, which made up 7.73% of all fatal crashes statewide. This ranking highlights ongoing safety concerns on Florida’s roads, influenced by factors such as population growth, tourism, and highway congestion.
The report, conducted by Montana Capital Car Title Loans using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), examined every U.S. state’s total number of fatal hit-and-run crashes, per capita rates, and the percentage of all fatal crashes that involved a hit-and-run. Florida’s ranking placed it among other high-risk states such as California, Arizona, Tennessee, Texas, and Nevada, illustrating a troubling national trend in road safety.
California led the country with 457 fatal hit-and-run crashes, while Arizona and Tennessee followed closely, tying for second place in overall risk despite their smaller populations. Nevada ranked fourth, and Texas rounded out the top five.
At the other end of the spectrum, Iowa and Maine recorded zero fatal hit-and-run crashes in 2023. Other low-risk states include Idaho, Vermont, and Nebraska, which reported just a handful of such incidents.
“These states demonstrate that effective enforcement and community accountability can virtually eliminate these tragedies,” said Shir Amram, COO of Montana Capital Car Title Loans.
Amram emphasized that hit-and-run fatalities often leave families with devastating financial burdens. Without uninsured motorist coverage or other robust insurance protections, victims’ families can face overwhelming medical bills, legal fees, and lost income.
“Drivers in high-risk states like Florida need to see these numbers as a call to action,” Amram said. “Proper insurance coverage can mean the difference between recovery and financial ruin when tragedy strikes.”
The Montana Capital analysis drew on NHTSA’s Crash Data Analysis Network to calculate each state’s total number of fatal hit-and-run crashes, crashes per 100,000 residents, and the percentage of all fatal crashes that involved hit-and-runs. A composite score ranked the states by overall risk.
The full report is available via Montana Capital Car Title Loans.
