Hit-and-run crashes in the Sunshine State have gone up 40% over the last decade, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. FLHSMV added that last year saw 97,519 hit-and-run crashes within Florida. 81,205 of them reportedly involved property damage. The agency said of those crashes, 779 resulted in at least one person suffering serious bodily injuries and another 238 crashes resulted in at least one death. Officials with the agency said pedestrians and cyclists represent the highest number of deaths in these incidents. The persistent increase in hit-and-run deaths is the result of three main factors: Fear - Drivers involved in a crash can become concerned about potential consequences (arrests, tickets or jail), possible confrontations with the driver they hit, or prior encounters with law enforcement. Environment - This can include visibility issues, roadway conditions and inclement weather. State of Driver - Officials said the driver's condition can play a significant role in a hit-and-run crash, especially if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The agency reminded Florida drivers that anyone who leaves the scene of a crash could face fines, jail time, revocation of driver's license and even prison. FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner added that leaving the scene of a crash "is not merely a choice; it's an act that disregards the impact to others involved." MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/traffic/florida-hit-and-run-crash-increase-decade-flhsmv/67-6027c856-4b57-49ba-8609-c6371ee1506f