TAMPA, FL -
Hit and run crashes claimed 168 lives in Florida last year, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP is launching a new campaign to remind drivers of their responsibilities after a crash and to, ultimately, bring the number of hit and run crashes down. Last year, there were nearly 70,000 hit and run crashes statewide, FHP said.
"We want people to understand there are consequences, (there are) people who feel pain and loss from these types of actions," FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said.
Nearly 15 years after Carnegia Holmes was killed in a crash on I-75, investigators are still looking for the driver who left the scene of the fatal crash.
"She was an amazing woman," said Holmes' sister, Ratonia Thompson. "She was amazing – good mom, good sister, good aunt, good friend. They took something precious."
Holmes is believed to have been hit by a large truck as she drove home from taking her boyfriend to work on the morning of April 2, 1998. Her car ended up in a wooded area and wasn't found until that evening, according to an FHP report.
Thompson said solving the case would give her family closure.
"And I just would like to ask them, ‘Why? Why?' I understand accidents happen, but why not stop?" she said.
Leaving the scene of a crash involving death is a felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries is also a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
FHP says drivers involved in a crash should stay and help any injured parties, exchange information with other drivers and witnesses and call law enforcement. Troopers also recommend sketching a picture of the scene and taking photos if possible.
Sgt Steve Gaskins, FHP is surrounded by troopers who part of a statewide campaign and are cracking down on hit and run drivers.
