In order to reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents in Ohio the Ohio House has put forth House Bill 397. The current hit-and-run law is as follows.
1. Leaving the scene is normally a 1st-degree misdemeanor.
2. Leaving the scene of an accident and someone is seriously hurt becomes a 5th-degree felony that could include a 1-year prison sentence.
The new law, which by the way was approved 86-1, would increase the penanlty for serious injury or death to a 2nd-dgree felony. The jail time would now be up to a possible 8 years in prison.
This increased sentencing bill is name "Brandon's Law" after Brandon Pethtel who was struck and killed by a driver who fled the scene. The driver was later apprehended. The motorist admitted using alcohol and marijuana.
The State of Ohio averages 473 hit-and-run accidents per year involving people killed or seriously injured, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol data.
This bill will now go to the Ohio state senate.
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