In the heart of Sarasota, a city known for its sun-drenched beaches and tranquil lifestyle, a darker reality lurks beneath the surface. A silent plague has ravaged our community, leaving victims injured and families devastated.
The alarming persistence of hit-and-run car accidents has become an urgent problem demanding our attention and action. This newspaper has embarked on an in-depth investigation to uncover the true extent of this problem and shed light on the factors contributing to this disturbing trend. The series of stories begins in print in today’s Sunday edition.
Mark J. Rochester will lead the Sarasota Herald-Tribune newsroom as editor-in-chief of the newspaper. He has more than 35 years of experience in the news industry, mainly in senior management positions.
The decision to delve into this issue was motivated by several compelling reasons:
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The human toll: Hit-and-run accidents are not just statistics. They represent real people, real lives destroyed by the reckless actions of others. Victims often suffer serious injuries, long-term disabilities and emotional trauma. Families must cope with the aftermath, with overwhelming medical bills and the fear of losing loved ones.
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A significant problem: Recent data shows that there have been nearly 700,000 accidents in Florida, killing nearly 1,700 people. This alarming total cannot be ignored. The consequences of these incidents extend beyond the immediate victims and affect our entire community.
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The culture of impunity: There seems to be a pervasive sense of impunity. Perpetrators often evade justice, leaving victims without recourse and feeling abandoned by the system. This lack of responsibility encourages reckless drivers and perpetuates the cycle of harm.
Through our investigation, the Herald-Tribune seeks to:
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Quantify the Problem: By analyzing data and conducting thorough research, we will paint a clear picture of the extent and severity of hit-and-run accidents in our community.
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Identify contributing factors: We will investigate the underlying causes of these incidents, including distracted driving, impaired driving, and other factors that may be contributing to the problem.
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Highlight victims’ stories: We will give a voice to victims of hit-and-run accidents by sharing their experiences and the impact these incidents have had on their lives.
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Examine law enforcement response: We will assess the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in addressing hit-and-run accidents and identify potential areas for improvement.
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Advocate for Change: We will use the power of journalism to advocate for tougher laws, higher penalties and better public awareness campaigns to deter drivers and protect our community.
By highlighting this topic, we hope to start a conversation, inspire action, and ultimately help prevent future tragedies. We believe that by working together we can make our roads safer and ensure justice is served for collision victims.
Mark J. Rochester
Executive Editor
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
mrochester@gannett.com
Mark J. Rochester was previously editor-in-chief of inewsource, a nonprofit investigative journal in San Diego. He was twice elected to the national board of directors of Investigative Reporters & Editors Inc. – an international association of journalists committed to improving investigative journalism – and served as vice president.
This article originally appeared on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Newspaper looks at the causes and damage caused by collisions.
