The number of hit-and-run accidents in Belgium has decreased for the first time since 2018, from 4,820 in 2023 to 4,596 in 2024, a 5% decline. Another positive point is that last year, 86% of perpetrators could be identified thanks to the increasing number of cameras, both on the street and on private property. By comparison, in 2010, only 71.4% of perpetrators were caught.

However, the phenomenon remains worrying, especially in the Brussels-Capital Region, where 19% of injury-causing accidents involve hit-and-runs. In Flanders, the figure is 13%, and in Wallonia, it is 10%. 

One in eight is a hit-and-run accident

According to the Vias traffic institute, one in eight traffic accidents involves a hit-and-run. Last year alone, 21 people lost their lives this way. The victims are mostly pedestrians (23%), electric scooter drivers (16%), and cyclists (15%) – the most vulnerable road users.

After sunset, the temptation to flee is greatest. The darkness and the reduced chance of being seen undoubtedly play a role.

Five categories of ‘escapees’

The largest group of ‘escapees’ (31%) is uncertain: these drivers minimize the seriousness of the accident or do not realize that they had to stop. The ‘rational’ refugees (19%), the second category, mainly try to avoid the costs or consequences.

Then you have the ‘panicking’ (13%) and ‘disturbed’ (13%) groups, the latter often under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and finally the ‘intimidated’ escapees, who feel threatened by witnesses or other road users.

Serious infringement

Anyone who commits a hit-and-run accident risks a fine of between €1,600 and €16,000, a prison sentence of between fifteen days and six months (or up to four years in the event of a fatality), a driving ban of between eight days and five years (life imprisonment in the event of recidivism or aggravating circumstances), and mandatory remedial exams (theoretical, practical, medical and psychological).

Hit-and-run also appears on your criminal record, and insurers may refuse to reimburse you.

According to Vias researcher Kishan Vandael Schreurs, the chance of being caught for violations should be further increased, and perpetrators should be punished more quickly and efficiently. “Currently, drunk drivers often take a year to appear in court. You might wonder if that still has the desired effect.”