An unidentified motorist mowed down a wheelchair-bound man in a crosswalk in Vista. The Sunday, Feb. 2 accident happened about 12:20 a.m.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Vista Village and Wave Drive. Paramedics attempted to save the 43-year-old male using CPR, but authorities declared the man dead at the scene.
Have you or a loved one been involved in an accident? Speak to a lawyer for a free no obligation consultation
Or call us at (888) 699-7975
Debris and evidence left behind allowed police a snapshot of the possible vehicle involved — a 1990s GMC SUV.
The authorities have not yet identified the victim.
The latest statistics from a study completed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety show that hit-and-run accidents jumped over the last several years.
Not only did the number of crashes increase, but the number of fatalities in connection to hit-and-run accidents also spiked. The studies showed that 1,980 hit-and-run crashes resulted in 2,049 fatalities in 2016. This is the highest number ever recorded since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began keeping records. Of these crashes, 1,398 involved pedestrians or bicyclists and they account for a majority of the victims at 65 percent. Statistics indicate that this shows a fatal increase of 7.2 percent per year.
New Mexico, Louisiana, and Florida top the states with the highest hit-and-run rates. The lowest rates come from New Hampshire, Maine, and Minnesota.
Environmental factors might play a part in a hit-and-run crash. Lighting, roadway geometry, and crash location show association with these types of crashes. The study found that with better lighting and higher traffic area, the less likely a hit-and-run will happen.