Hit-and-run crashes have been a big problem in Northeast Florida.
Some cases, like that of Haley Smith, 15, who was hit and killed while walking along Kenton Morrison Road in 2013, are still open.
The same goes for the death of Bryan Wrigley, a University of St. Augustine student killed by a driver while riding his bike in 2011.
It's cases like these where the Florida Highway Patrol want people to think about as they kick off their "Bad to Worse" campaign.
"Hit-and-run Bad to Worse is a campaign in the month of February trying to educate the public in hit-and-runs,” said Trooper Joel Johnson.
Johnson discussed the startling numbers they've seen in the last year.
According to FHP, in 2015, there were 92,000 hit-and-run crashes across the state.
Just last year, 186 people died in Florida from hit-and-run crashes.
He said Florida needs this campaign, because the number of cases each year remains steady, meaning people are continuing to leave the scene.
He said witnesses are key.
Johnson wants drivers to be aware of consequences they could face if they're caught leaving the scene of a crash.
He says if a driver hurts someone and leaves, it's an automatic felony.
“For involvement a death, it's a mandatory four years in prison,” said Johnson.
For families like Smiths and Wrigleys, they hope no other family has to go through what they've been through.
Cox Media Group
