ÖAMTC Alarmed by Significant Increase in Hit-and-Run Accidents – Most in Vienna

With 787 cases, Vienna clearly leads the unfortunate federal state ranking, followed by Lower Austria (361) and Upper Austria (360). The fewest cases were registered in Burgenland (42).

ÖAMTC calls for more civil courage

“The number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher, as pure property damage is not recorded in this statistic,” emphasizes ÖAMTC traffic psychologist Marion Seidenberger. Particularly dramatic are those cases where injured people are simply abandoned. “That must not happen. More civil courage is needed here,” says Seidenberger.

Most hit-and-runs occurred between June and September, during the busy summer months. Such incidents were least common between November and March.

Notably, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 flee particularly often (9.8 percent of cases). The largest share of hit-and-run offenders are car drivers at 59 percent, followed by cyclists (9 percent), e-scooter riders (6 percent), and pedestrians (4 percent).

Almost twelve percent more hit-and-run accidents in seven years

A look at the development over the past few years shows a clear increase: Between 2018 and 2024, hit-and-runs in accidents with personal injury increased by 11.9 percent – from 2,318 to 2,594 cases.

According to ÖAMTC, the reasons for fleeing are varied: fear, being overwhelmed, intoxication, or lack of a driver's license are among the most common motives. However, leaving someone injured behind constitutes a serious crime.

"If there are injured parties, those involved in the accident – including passengers – are obligated to provide assistance. At the very least, making an emergency call is reasonable for everyone," warns Seidenberger. Those who flee can face administrative fines of up to 2,180 euros. If the offense of "abandoning an injured person" is fulfilled, up to three years of imprisonment may be imposed.

Even for minor damages: Report instead of fleeing

Not only in accidents with injuries, but also in cases of parking or minor damages, it is important to immediately notify the police. Those who simply drive away and are later identified – for example, through witnesses or video footage – risk higher penalties than if they report honestly.

Seidenberger's final advice: "Even if it's difficult: stay calm, take a deep breath, and under no circumstances give in to an emerging instinct to flee. In accidents with personal injury, the police and emergency services must be alerted without exception, and you must wait at the accident site for the emergency services or provide assistance."

Source: Statistics Austria, edited by ÖAMTC Accident Research

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