A new analysis of national crash records shows that hit and run fatalities have become a persistent and deadly problem across the United States, with Texas emerging as one of the states most affected. The study, conducted by The Texas Law Dog, examines five years of federal crash data and reveals how often drivers flee the scene after causing fatal injuries. The findings highlight the scale of the issue, the factors that contribute to these incidents, and the states where the problem is most severe.
Between 2019 and 2023, the United States recorded nearly 4 million hit and run crashes, resulting in 13,000 deaths. The year 2022 saw the highest number of hit and run crashes, with 2,895 incidents. September and October tied as the months with the most crashes, each recording 280. Of the 13,000 people killed, more than 1,200 were the lawrivers who caused the crash and then fled.
Texas consistently ranks near the top of nearly every category measured in the study. The state recorded 973 total hit and run fatalities during the five year period, placing it second only to California, which reported 2,178. Florida followed with 1,260. These high ranking states share large populations, dense metro areas, and high overall crash volumes.
Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable group. Across the country, 8,442 pedestrians were killed in hit and run incidents during the study period. Texas again ranked second with 973 pedestrian deaths, trailing only California’s 1,485. Florida, Georgia, and New York rounded out the top five. Rural Northeastern states, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, recorded the lowest pedestrian fatality totals.
Speeding was the most common factor linked to fatal hit and run crashes. Nationally, 2,506 hit and run deaths involved speeding. California led with 597 speeding related hit and run fatalities, while Texas followed with 355. Illinois, New York, and Arizona posted significantly lower totals. Vermont recorded only one speeding related hit and run fatality, the lowest in the country.
Distracted driving was another major contributor. Across the United States, 1,019 fatal hit and run crashes involved distraction. Texas recorded 165 such deaths, the highest in the country. Illinois followed with 129, while New Mexico, New York, and Florida also posted elevated numbers. Several rural states recorded only one distracted driving hit and run fatality.
Impaired driving played a significant role as well. Nationally, 733 hit and run fatalities involved an intoxicated driver. California recorded 184 impaired driving hit and run deaths, while Texas followed with 101. Florida, North Carolina, and New York rounded out the top five. States with the lowest totals included Idaho, Kansas, Maine, and Minnesota, each with one fatality.
Uninsured and unlicensed drivers also contributed to the problem. Uninsured drivers were responsible for 181 fatal hit and run crashes nationwide. Illinois led with 39, followed by Tennessee with 31 and Texas with 12. Unlicensed drivers were involved in 1,481 fatal hit and run crashes. Texas recorded the highest number in the country with 319, surpassing California’s 235 and Florida’s 104.
The study also examined the demographics of victims. Of the 10,853 fatalities with recorded age and gender data, men accounted for 8,379 deaths. The age group with the highest number of fatalities was 25 to 34, with 3,033 deaths nationwide. In Texas, men between 25 and 34 also represented the largest share of victims, with 399 deaths.
The data shows that hit and run incidents are not limited to any single type of driver. They occur in large cities and rural regions, involve both licensed and unlicensed drivers, and are often linked to speeding, distraction, or impairment. The study underscores how widespread the issue has become and how often drivers flee the scene to avoid legal or financial consequences.
