Study: North Carolina has 4th-highest hit-and-run crash rate in U.S.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina has the fourth-highest hit-and-run crash rate in the United States, according to a recent study from Kitchel Law.

The study analyzed data from 2018 to 2022 and hit-and-run crashes and then measured crash rates per 100,000 licensed drivers to identify states with alarming traffic safety concerns.

Among all 50 states, North Carolina’s hit-and-run crash rate was the fourth highest at 5.34 accidents per 100,000 licensed drivers. That is about 224% above the national average at 1.65 crashes.

Some of the contributing factors include congested streets with a large number of pedestrians and drivers under the influence. The study also said that the lack of vehicle insurance and fear of legal consequences can contribute to drivers wanting to leave the scene.

Experts urge stricter enforcement to prevent hit-and-run accidents.

“To reduce these issues, state leaders should make stringent policies,” a Kitchel Law spokesperson said. “They should strengthen laws to increase penalties for hit-and-run offenders, such as longer jail sentences and higher fines.”

With 1,374,529 licensed drivers in the state, North Carolina saw a five-year accident average of 73.4. The worst year was 2020 with 96 while the best year was 2018 at 47.

Below is a table of the top 10 states with the highest hit-and-run crash rate: