FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2010
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- 1:32

Senate Panel Hears Testimony on Legislation
 To Set Tougher Penalties for Hit-And-Runs 

The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 11, to hear testimony on legislation currently before the Senate that would increase fines and prison sentences for those convicted of fleeing from accidents involving injury or death. 

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) said the panel heard input on three bills that would strengthen penalties in hit-and run-cases.  He has sponsored legislation, Senate Bill 1177, which would increase the minimum prison time to two years if someone flees a deadly accident, and to one year in the case of serious injury.

Senator Don White (R-Indiana) has sponsored a related bill, Senate Bill 1049, that increases penalties for  hit-and run drivers who are driving while under the influence.  Several testifiers said that drivers who are intoxicated have an incentive under current laws to flee the scene, hoping they won't get caught before their bodies metabolize the alcohol or drugs.

Senate Bill 522, sponsored by Sen. Michael Stack (D-Philadelphia), would increase from one to five years in prison the mandatory-minimum sentence for someone who flees the scene of a fatal accident. If the victim suffers serious injury, the bill would raise the mandatory-minimum sentence from 90 days to two years.

"If we want to deter people from leaving the scene of an accident, we have to make the penalties stronger," Rafferty said.  "Drivers who flee the scene of an accident, leaving victims injured or dead, should be held accountable for their actions."

Among those who testified were representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, the State Police and the Philadelphia Police Department.  Three family members of hit-and-run victims told their stories and urged stronger penalties for those who flee.

Contact:

Mark Meyer
(717) 787-1398