OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - Roughly 50 Nebraskans died in hit-and-run crashes in a ten year span, according to a new report.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals nearly 682,000 hit-and-run crashes happen every year in the U.S.
The study contains data from 2006 to 2016, with more than half of the victims as being pedestrians and cyclists.
In Iowa, 93 people died in the same time frame with 2015 being the deadliest year.
Last fall, Omaha police told 3 News Now it saw an alarming uptickin pedestrian and car crashes.
“Driver in-attention is a major factor in a lot of crashes,” Sgt. Doug Kleine said. “Not just pedestrian crashes but the biggest thing is just pay attention - especially if you’re approaching an intersection or a crosswalk.”
Nearlytwo weeks ago, an SUV struck a motorcycle driver near 32nd and Q streets before taking off. The driveris being held at the Douglas County Correctional Center.
With these scenarios continuing to happen, the AAA director of traffic safety believes “it’s an eye-opening case study.”
“It is enough to open our eyes,” Jake Nelson said. “And, have us be a little more alert on the road and pay attention for those pedestrians and cyclists.”
