ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol kicked off its new hit-and-run awareness campaign on Monday.
Last year, the FHP said it investigated more than 84,000 cases across the state. At a news conference Monday morning, the FHP announced its annual statewide campaign to bring awareness to the increasing problem.
"You that are watching, stop thinking so much about yourself. Think about that family; somebody's daughter, son," said Tina Exposito, the mother of two hit-and-run victims, one of which was killed. "We asked for today, not just my family, [but] all families to stop and think for others."
In 2014, troopers said there were 184 people killed in 84,000 hit-and-run crashes. That number is up 23 percent from 2013, FHP said.
"It was devastating. My whole world collaposed," said Exposito.
The driver who allegedly hit Exposito's children, Kila Holland, was arrested a year after the crash.
Families of those who have lost loved ones filled the room, some wearing T-shirts, others holding posters, pleading for drivers involved in any kind of accident to stop and think before they leave the scene.
"There are too many people in this room who are victims," said Sgt. Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol. "These numbers are so hard to look at."
Drivers who leave the scene of a crash that involves death face a penalty of a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison.