A pedestrian was seriously injured in a nighttime hit-and-run in Clay County, highlighting ongoing risks for pedestrians on dark roadways.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
A Keystone Heights woman in her late 30s was seriously injured after a hit-and-run while walking in the westbound lane of State Road 100 on Saturday night.
Searching for driver
The vehicle struck the woman late Saturday night and continued traveling westbound on State Road 100 without stopping.
She was transported to UF Shands in Gainesville for treatment.
At this time, there is no description of the vehicle, and authorities are still gathering evidence.
The statistics: pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “of the 271 hit-and-run fatalities in 2023, 159 were pedestrians.”
That accounts for 76% of all hit-and-run fatalities in Florida that year.
The same report found that more than 81% of hit-and-run fatalities occurred during dawn, dusk, or nighttime conditions.
These numbers highlight how dangerous it can be for pedestrians traveling near roadways—especially in low-visibility conditions.
What can we take away from this?
- Walking near a roadway is never completely risk-free
- Visibility drops significantly at night
- Drivers may not expect pedestrians in travel lanes
If you are walking or running near a road after dark, take extra precautions:
- wear reflective clothing or gear
- use sidewalks when available
- stay as far from traffic lanes as possible
These steps can improve visibility and reduce the risk of serious injury.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, whether as a pedestrian or driver, a Jacksonville car accident lawyer can help you explore your options, investigate the incident, and pursue compensation.