Hit-and-run crashes are on the rise throughout the state of Colorado, the Colorado State Patrol studies.
Within the first quarter of 2023, the Colorado State Patrol noticed a 22% improve in hit-and-run crashes.
In comparison with the primary three months of 2022, statewide knowledge of hit-and-run crashes investigated by Colorado State Patrol reveals January 2023 had a 35% spike, February 2023 had a 19% spike and March 2023 had a 13% spike, based on an company information launch.
Don’t panic, keep put
Chief Matthew C. Packard of the Colorado State Patrol suggested “Don’t panic” to drivers in the event that they hit a car, particular person or one other piece of property.
“Working out of concern will solely worsen this case,” Packard mentioned. “Keep on the scene, verify to ensure you and anybody is injured and name 9-1-1 to report the collision.”
Leaving the scene of a crash can result in legal expenses, a few of that are felonies — along with any expenses related to the precise crash.
The Colorado Division defined if an uninsured driver stayed on the scene of a property crash scene, that driver might face careless driving and no proof of insurance coverage expenses. This may complete 8 factors.
If the identical particular person left the scene and was later caught by legislation enforcement, that particular person would additionally face fleeing the scene of the collision, elevating the full variety of factors to 44. That stage of factors might imply potential jail time of 10 to 90 days and/or a positive.
Though a driver who doesn’t have a license, is impaired or drove recklessly is severe in nature, it pales compared to the costs an individual might face by leaving the scene, based on the discharge.
In 2022, each “‘felonious’ hit and run case, 20 in complete, assigned to and investigated by the Colorado State Patrol was efficiently solved.
Troopers have obtained eight new instances with 5 solved in 2023.
The Colorado State Patrol asks for the general public’s assist in fixing its unsolved hit-and run-cases. The latest unsolved case killed two males Friday close to Larimer County.
Most up-to-date unsolved hit-and-run
Round 5 p.m. Friday, a four-vehicle deadly hit and run occurred on Colo. 287 simply south of Larimer County. The car that fled the scene is believed to be a darkish purple or maroon 2009 or a more recent Dodge Ram 1500 with chrome entrance, rear bumpers and wheels, in addition to injury to the best aspect.
Troopers suspect the driving force is a heavy-set, white male with a white beard and between 50-60 years previous. Anybody with details about the crash is requested to name the Denver Colorado State Patrol Dispatch Middle at (303) 239-4501.
“Hit-and-run crashes that lead to a fatality or severe bodily damage to a different particular person are devastating to households and erode the sentiments of security for all of us throughout our communities,” Packard mentioned. “Colorado State Troopers take these crimes severely and work tirelessly to make sure every case is solved.”
