New York City continues to face a troubling rise in fatal hit-and-run incidents, even as enforcement struggles to return to pre-pandemic levels. While police have made high-profile arrests this year, including the recent capture of Julio Cachago in a deadly Lower East Side hit-and-run, data shows that many cases still go unsolved, leaving victims’ families searching for justice.
Enforcement Declines Amid a Rise in Deadly Collisions
According to the NYC Department of Transportation’s Driver Behavior Study (2020–2023), NYPD traffic enforcement has fallen sharply since 2019. The total number of traffic violations issued dropped from nearly one million in 2019 to about 510,000 in 2020, and has only partially recovered to around 650,000 in 2023.
Even more concerning, Vision Zero–focused safety enforcement remains at roughly two-thirds of its pre-pandemic rate, meaning fewer officers are available to investigate serious crashes and hit-and-run cases. This decline coincides with an uptick in severe collisions across New York City’s five boroughs.
Declining Arrest Rates Despite Consistent Crash Levels
While crash numbers remain relatively constant, enforcement outcomes have worsened. Between 2018–19 and 2020–21, NYPD hit-and-run arrests fell from an average of 1,156 to about 750 per year, despite no decline in the number of collisions.
The arrest rate for injury-causing hit-and-run incidents dropped from 8.6% in 2018 to just 3.6% in 2023. Officials cite staffing shortages as a major factor; the NYPD’s headcount currently sits at around 33,000 officers, the lowest since 1990.
Even so, investigators identified the driver in roughly half of all fatal hit-and-run cases (54%) during the study period. However, that leaves many fatal crashes unresolved, with no accountability for the victims’ families.
Notable 2025 Arrest: Lower East Side Hit-and-Run
In December 2025, NYPD detectives from the Collision Investigation Squad arrested 54-year-old Julio Cachago for the hit-and-run death of a pedestrian at Stanton and Clinton Streets on the Lower East Side.
As reported by Streetsblog NYC, investigators used surveillance footage and license plate reader data to identify the suspect’s vehicle within 48 hours, a rare success story highlighting what can happen when police resources and technology align.
You can read more about the facts of this case in our article “Hit-and-Run on Lower East Side: SUV Driver Arrested After Fatal NYC Pedestrian Accident“
Legal Perspective: Advocating for Hit-and-Run Victims
Hit-and-run crashes are among the most devastating cases WSAT Law handles. Beyond the physical injuries, victims and families are often left without closure, especially when drivers evade accountability.
At William Schwitzer & Associates, our attorneys work to uncover the truth in these complex investigations, collaborating with collision experts, law enforcement, and witnesses to ensure justice is pursued for every client.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run or pedestrian accident in New York City, contact our team for a confidential consultation at (212) 683-3800.
Safety & Data Sources
For further information and verified statistics, visit:
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run crash, contact William Schwitzer & Associates at (212) 683-3800 for legal assistance. Images in this blog are for illustrative purposes only.
