But that’s only part of the story. The number of hit-and-run accidents is a small part of a bigger number of auto-pedestrian crashes overall (which include people walking and those riding bikes). KUSA reports that 15 people lost their lives in auto-pedestrian crashes in Denver in 2013. As of June 1 this year, seven people had already been killed in auto-pedestrian crashes, and another four people have been killed in hit-and-run crashes.
To combat these injuries and deaths, city officials and the Denver Police have proclaimed June as “Heads Up” month. The campaign was launched in May 2013 to encourage commuters to keep their “heads up” and take responsibility for their actions when walking, biking or driving. The program has already proven that it works. By the end of 2013, seven months after last year’s campaign launched, hit-and-run statistics declined to the lowest they had been in three years.
The numbers for 2014 won’t be in until the end of the year, but the trend so far is encouraging. The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya supports the city’s efforts to reduce auto-pedestrian accidents. We urge you to support the efforts too, and keep your “Heads Up.”