In Florida, approximately 25% of all crashes involve a hit-and-run. Because of this, the state has an awareness campaign called “Stay at the Scene.” The campaign looks to educate drivers on their responsibilities if they are in a crash and the potentially serious consequences they face if they are convicted of leaving the scene of an accident.
Leaving the scene of an accident with just property damage is a second-degree misdemeanor which could lead to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If there are injuries, the crime is a second or a third-degree felony with a sentence of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If there are fatalities, it is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum of 4 years in prison.
CBS 12 reports that a driver in a stolen car crashed the vehicle into a South Florida home.
The incident happened on Thursday in the area of Northwest 95th Street and 23rd Avenue. The impact of the car striking the home was so violent that tire marks were left near the building’s roof.
The RAV-4 was left barely recognizable.
According to witnesses, the driver tried to make a run for it after the crash, despite what looked like serious injuries. Police officers were able to catch the driver of the stolen vehicle on the side of the house.
The passenger in the vehicle also attempted to run from the scene, but she was stopped a few blocks away. She was put onto a stretcher and rushed to a hospital.
The residents were at home at the time of the crash, but no one inside the home was injured.
City inspectors have deemed the home as uninhabitable.