Local Hit-And-Run a Cautionary Tale?

A local man struck a cyclist with his vehicle recently, according to authorities, causing the teen rider to be airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition.

But it was what the man did after the point of impact that took the situation from bad to worse.

Nathan Wayne Young, 52, from nearby Wesley Chapel, was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 41 Monday evening when his 1998 Ford Expedition hit a Huffy bicycle being ridden by 14-year-old Spring Hill resident William J. Machacek, according to authorities.

After hitting William, “(Young) fled the scene without rendering aid and was later apprehended by by Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputies following a brief pursuit,” according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A Cautionary Tale?

Land O’ Lakes residents — and others — may want to view the situation as a cautionary tale. Last February, the Florida Highway Patrol partnered with the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Police of Chiefs Association and the Florida Department of Transportation to launch a public awareness campaign called Hit & Run: Bad 2 Worse.

“Hit-and-run crashes are a growing problem in Florida,” FHP Director Col. David Brierton said at the time in a prepared statement. “Florida had nearly 70,000 hit-and-run crashes last year. We hope the education awareness campaign and our partnerships with Florida law enforcement agencies and FDOT will help us meet our mission goals of traffic safety.”

Here’s what to do at the scene of a traffic crash, according to FHP:

• Stop immediately, but do not obstruct traffic
• Assist the injured
• Call law enforcement to respond
• Secure names, addresses of drivers and witnesses
• Secure make, model, license numbers of all vehicles involved
• Draw rough sketch of crash, showing positions of vehicles
• Remain calm

Leaving the scene of a crash involving death or injury, which Young is alleged to have done, can mean big trouble for motorists. Those found guilty can receive maximum penalties of 30 years behind bars and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Meanwhile, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage is a second-degree misdemeanor that can bring 60 days in county jail and up to $500 in fines. 

In Pasco County, 1,299 hit-and-runs occurred in 2011. Looking back year to year since 2005, the biggest annual tallies came in 2007 and 2008, both of which saw 1,507 hit-and-runs, according to FHP stats. 

Hillsborough County had 3,832 hit-and-runs in 2011, according to FHP. Looking back to 2005, the biggest spike came in 2006 when hit-and-runs totaled 6,859.

Charges Pending

William was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in critical condition while Young was arrested for fleeing and eluding. He remained lodged Tuesday at the Land O' Lakes Jail on $10,000 bond.

The incident remains under investigation and charges are pending against Young, officials said.   

See Also:

• Authorities: Motorist Strikes Teen Cyclist, Flees From Deputies