206 people killed in 105,000 hit-and-run crashes in Florida in 2019

What made Pierre “Pete” Fortin happiest was stopping to help a stranger, but that’s also what made him one of 206 people killed by hit-and-run drivers in Florida last year, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Fortin, 49, pulled off north Interstate 95 just south of Hollywood Boulevard on Oct. 31 to help a stranded motorist. He was hit by a passing vehicle that never stopped.

“Our family has been devastated for the past few months dealing with this,” said his sister Nadine Barreau. “My brother was a helper [who] died helping another driver in distress on the highway.”

February is Stay at the Scene awareness month, designed to change the mindset of drivers and lower the number of hit-and-run crashes.

There were more than 105,000 hit -and-run crashes across Florida in 2019, with 206 deaths and 1,115 serious injuries. That’s an increase from 101,000 hit-and-run crashes statewide in 2018, causing 198 deaths and 1,100 injuries, said FHP Lt. Yanko Reyes.

“Even a small increase like this can only mean one thing,” Reyes said at a news conference Wednesday. “The problem of people fleeing the scene [of a crash] isn’t getting any better.”

Leaving the scene of a crash can result in prison time ranging from 60 days to 30 years and fines between $500 and $10,000, FHP said.

“Leaving the scene of a crash will only make matters worse,” Reyes said. “Staying at the scene will not only spare a driver significant legal penalties but may save a life.”

Reyes said he realizes that drivers who hit other vehicles or pedestrians often panic and speed away, so he stressed drivers should remain calm, stay at the scene and move off the roadway if possible.

Call 911, check themselves for any injuries, check on the other driver’s or pedestrian’s condition, and don’t worry about exchanging driver’s license, insurance, registration and other information until later on, he said.

“By staying at the scene, you can save a life,” Barreau said.

The search for the driver who hit and killed Fortin continues.

Investigators are asking any witnesses or anyone with information about the driver to contact Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-8477, or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.

[email protected] or 954-356-4303 or Twitter @WayneRoustan

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