In the wake of recent hit and runs in Central Florida, state troopers are trying to raise awareness about what they’re calling a growing problem.

  • Hit-and-run campaign unveiled Thursday
  • Statewide initiative
  • More than 99,000 hit-and-run crashes in Florida in 2016

Officers investigated more than 99,000 hit and run crashes in Florida in 2016. That’s an increase from 2015.

Thursday, families of hit and run victims will join troopers to support their awareness campaign.

The statewide initiative will focus on teaching people about the consequences, the impact on the families of victims, and how the public can help.

“When you leave the scene of a crime, you don’t know how serious the person is or the people are that have been involved," said Frank Brunner with Manatee County CrimeStoppers. "There’s nothing worse than finding out later that you left the scene, did not do the right thing, and there are actually people that died when you could have rendered assistance or get help there right away.”

The Florida Highway Patrol says it investigated five fatal hit and runs in Central Florida this year

Most recently, a 14-year-old girl was hit by a stolen truck Tuesday in east Orange County.

The driver, Travis Johnson, is accused of fleeing the scene. He will stay behind bars after a court appearance Wednesday.

If someone dies, the penalty for a fatal hit and run can be up to 30 years in prison.