State Police Warn of Hit-and-Run Consequences After Recent Fatalities. Stafford, Virginia collision part of recent rash of 8 fatal hit-and-runs tracked by Virginia State Police.

 

State Police Warn of Hit-and-Run Consequences After Recent Fatalities.

Stafford collision part of recent rash of 8 fatal hit-and-runs tracked by Virginia State Police.

The Virginia State Police is sending motorists an urgent message: Hit-and-run crashes are illegal.

In the past two months, five pedestrians and one bicyclist have been struck and killed in eight hit-and-run traffic crashes across Virginia, according to the agency. Due to this alarming rash of fatal crashes involving drivers fleeing the scene, the Virginia State Police is reminding motorists that state law prohibits a driver from leaving an accident that involves “injury or death of a person, or damage to attended property.”

“The law is clear,” said Col. W. Steven Flaherty, the Virginia State Police superintendent, in a statement. “If you have or think you have struck a person, another vehicle, or property, then you are required to stop at the scene. You are required to render aid if necessary or if you are able to, and remain at the scene until a trooper, officer or deputy arrives.

“The fact that this many drivers are striking a fellow human being and leaving that individual in the roadway to die and, in several cases, be struck again by other vehicles, is not just illegal but inhumane,” he said.

One hit-and-run accident occurred on Jan. 1 in Stafford County, the State Police said. A 37-year-old Triangle man was struck and severely injured in a crosswalk at Garrisonville Road and Brafferton Boulevard. Police are searching for the suspect vehicle.
Other hit-and-run traffic crashes currently under investigation by the Virginia State Police:

• Dec. 1 - Frederick County: A 71-year-old Gore, Va., male pedestrian was struck and killed on Gore Road. Arrest is pending.
• Dec. 19 - Frederick County: A 15-year-old Clearbrook, Va., male pedestrian was struck and killed on Rest Church Road. Arrest is pending.
• Dec. 22 – Henry County: A 66-year-old Bassett, Va., man was struck and killed while riding his bicycle on Route 220. Search for suspect vehicle continues.
• Dec. 31 – Louisa County: A 35-year-old Bumpass, Va., male pedestrian was struck and killed on Willis Proffit Road. A 20-year-old Louisa man was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run.
• Jan. 8 – Rockingham County: A 43-year-old Oregon female pedestrian was struck and killed on North Valley Pike. Search for suspect vehicle continues.
• Jan. 15 – York County: A 47-year-old Seaford, Va., female pedestrian was struck while jogging along Coventry Boulevard. She was not injured. Search for suspect vehicle continues.
• Jan. 20 – Greene County: A 30-year-old Stanardsville, Va., male pedestrian was struck and killed on Route 29. Search for suspect vehicle continues.

Any person convicted of a violation is guilty of (i) a Class 5 felony if the accident results in injury to or the death of any person, or if the accident results in more than $1,000 of damage to property or (ii) a Class 1 misdemeanor if the accident results in damage of $1,000 or less to property.
A Class 5 felony carries a sentence of one to 10 years in jail or no more than one year and/or a fine of no more than $2,500. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
As several of these hit-and-run crashes are still under investigation, the public is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police on a cell phone at #77 or dial 911 with any information or tips.

Avoiding and preventing traffic crashes is the responsibility of all individuals using a roadway. Simply #DrivetoSaveLives.
More tips from the State Police:

• Pedestrians are advised to wear bright clothing. To maximize your visibility at night, wear reflective vests, when available. Dusk and dawn are the most dangerous times of the day for pedestrians. Make sure to use crosswalks and sidewalks, whenever available.
• Bicyclists are also advised to wear a helmet and bright, reflective clothing. Also, make certain the bike is equipped with reflectors and a light, if/when riding in the dark. Bicyclists are required to ride with traffic and to ride defensively by anticipating the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.
• Vehicles are required to safely and responsibly share the road with pedestrians, motorcycles and bicyclists. Drivers must remain alert, especially at dawn, dusk and night, for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Last year, the Virginia General Assembly passed a law requiring all vehicles to give at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist on the road.