LSUPD is warning students about the increasing number of hit-and-run vehicle collisions on campus, many of which are happening in residential and commuter lots, and how they can be avoided. 

According to LSUPD’s Initial Daily Crime Log, there have been 13 hit-and-runs between vehicles on campus this month alone. Most, LSUPD Chief Marshall Walters says, are minor but must be handled by calling LSUPD to avoid criminal charges.

“The majority of the hit-and-runs are parking lot type crashes that are minor and could be easily resolved by just calling [LSUPD].” Walters said. “But it becomes a crime when they knowingly hit a car and then leave the scene of an accident.”

Walters explains that most of these crimes are happening in commuter and residential parking lots. Most are not fatal or serious crashes and can be easily addressed by police, Walters said. 

“There’s a lot more cars in there and so it makes sense why they’re occurring there,” Walters said. “We would love to do away with crashes, but that’s not the reality of having the transient population that we do.”

Walters said LSUPD has seen a rise in hit-and-run charges since installing more cameras around parking lots in 2023.

Louisiana defines a hit-and-run as the intentional failure of a driver involved in an accident to stop, provide their identity and give reasonable aid to the injured. A student charged with a hit-and-run will be fined up to $500 or imprisoned between 10 days and six months.

Walters highlights ways students can help to prevent these accidental crashes including giving themselves ample time to get to class and obeying traffic signs. 

“Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going,” Walters said. “Drive reasonably, obey the speed limit, traffic signs, pedestrian crossings and try to avoid those crowded areas during peak times. Stay attentive and stay vigilant while driving around campus.”

If you are involved in an accident on campus, call LSUPD at (225)-578-3231.