WORCESTER—Hit-and-run crashes are rising to record levels across the country, and newly released data shows the issue is widespread in Worcester as well.
A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that more than 919,000 police-reported crashes nationwide in 2023 involved a driver who fled the scene, resulting in 242,000 injuries and 2,872 deaths. Those incidents accounted for 15% of all crashes, the highest share recorded in recent years.
Data provided by AAA Northeast shows that Worcester recorded 3,999 hit-and-run crashes between 2022 and 2025, including more than 1,000 incidents in both 2023 and 2024.
The majority of those crashes — 2,265, or about 56.6% — involved property damage only. Another 353 resulted in non-fatal injuries, while two fatal crashes were recorded during the period. In 1,379 cases, or roughly one-third of incidents, the severity was listed as unknown.
The data also shows that hit-and-run crashes in Worcester occur slightly more often during daylight hours. About 53.4% of incidents took place during the day, compared to 35.5% at night, with the remainder categorized as unknown or not reported.
Worcester police provided some additional data to the Worcester Guardian, which gives an even closer look at how those incidents are distributed across the city and when they are most likely to occur.
A citywide heat map of reported hit-and-run crashes shows incidents scattered throughout Worcester, with heavier concentrations in the downtown core, Main South, Belmont Hill, Green Island and areas surrounding major roadways and commercial corridors. The data suggests hit-and-run crashes are not confined to any single neighborhood but instead occur across the city, with clusters forming in high-traffic areas.
A second heat map using point data shows a similar pattern, with incidents spread widely across Worcester’s road network, particularly along major arteries and densely populated neighborhoods. Police data indicates that hit-and-run crashes occur throughout the city but are more concentrated in areas with higher traffic volume and pedestrian activity.
Worcester police data also highlights when hit-and-run crashes are most likely to occur. According to figures for calendar year 2025, incidents steadily increase through the morning hours, rise sharply during the afternoon commute, and peak between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The single highest hour recorded was 4 p.m., with 174 reported hit-and-run crashes, followed closely by 3 p.m. with 167 and 5 p.m. with 163.
Overnight hours saw significantly fewer incidents, with the lowest totals occurring between midnight and 5 a.m., according to the Worcester Police Department data.
Longer-term trends provided by Worcester police also show fluctuations over the past five years. The city recorded 2,225 reported hit-and-run crashes in 2021, followed by 2,078 in 2022, 2,168 in 2023, 2,155 in 2024 and 2,076 in 2025. While the totals have fluctuated, the numbers remain consistently high, with more than 2,000 reported incidents each year.
Statewide, nearly 5% of traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2023 were linked to hit-and-run crashes, according to AAA.
People outside of vehicles face the greatest risk. The AAA Foundation found that nearly one in four pedestrians and cyclists killed in crashes nationwide were struck by drivers who fled the scene, along with a significant share of roadside workers. Many of those crashes occur in low-light conditions when visibility is reduced.
“The reasons drivers leave the scene of a crash may vary, but the bottom line is that there’s no excuse,” Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast, said. “Fleeing after a crash only compounds the harm, whereas staying, calling for help and taking responsibility can save lives.”
The study also identified patterns among drivers involved in fatal hit-and-run crashes. Among those identified, 40% did not have a valid driver’s license, and more than half were operating vehicles not registered in their name. Most were young men and were involved in crashes relatively close to their homes.
Researchers pointed to several potential strategies to reduce hit-and-run incidents, including technology such as automatic crash notifications, roadway designs that better protect pedestrians and cyclists, and stronger enforcement measures.
The findings also suggest that drivers may be less likely to flee when they believe they will be identified, highlighting the possible impact of traffic cameras and public alert systems following serious crashes.
Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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