Senate, House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on Addressing Hit & Runs and the Jay Alerts Pilot Program

Policy Committee May 11, 2026

PHILADELPHIA, PA − May 11, 2026 − Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller (D-14) hosted a policy hearing on Addressing Hit & Runs and the Jay Alerts Pilot Program alongside House Policy Chair Ryan Bizzaro, Senator Anthony Williams, and Representative Morgan Cephas.

This hearing featured testimony from community members, first responders, law enforcement, local activists, and medical professionals on the impact of hit-and-runs and the legislation Senator Anthony Williams and Representative Cephas plan to introduce.

“Today’s hearing shed light on the devastating reality families face after a hit-and-run crash and reinforced why stronger action is needed across Pennsylvania to hold offenders accountable and deliver justice to victims,” said Senator Miller. “Hit-and-run incidents are becoming a growing statewide public safety concern that leaves too many families searching for answers. With the testimony we heard, it is evident that strengthening and modernizing laws, including implementing Senator Williams’ Jay Alerts legislation, is essential to increasing urgency, public awareness, and prevention so no family is left waiting in the dark after tragedy strikes.”

“For years, I’ve worked alongside families who live every day with the consequences of a hit-and-run,” said Senator Anthony Williams. “I’ve seen firsthand the devastation these crashes leave in our communities. We can’t accept a system that allows offenders to simply disappear. By partnering with Philadelphia’s repair shops and improving communication, this pilot program gives us a real tool to quickly identify offenders and prevent future tragedies.”

Daniel Farley, Director of Bureau of Operations at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, testified on the impact of hit-and-runs.

“In 2025, PennDOT statewide data shows that 7,736 hit-and-run crashes resulted in 65 fatalities and 323 serious injuries,” said Farley. “In Philadelphia County in 2025, 1,706 hit-and-run crashes resulted in 32 fatalities and 128 serious injuries. PennDOT looks to our law enforcement partners to investigate alleged perpetrators of hit-and-runs. Safety is a top priority of the Department, and we appreciate tools to combat this ongoing issue and endeavor to be helpful to our law enforcement partners and community leaders whenever possible.”

Elizabeth Hocker of Families for Safe Streets, Greater Philadelphia, shared the story of her son Damien, who was 17 when he was killed in a hit-and-run while walking home from the gym on April 16, 2024. He was less than three blocks from his father’s house when he was struck crossing the street and her only child.

“Walking is a basic freedom – one that enables greater access to our communities,” said Hocker. “All people should be able to safely walk in their neighborhoods, but my son never made it home. We all want our children to be safe when walking to and from school, their friends’ houses, and sports games. We all want to cross the street to the supermarket, or bike to work, without fearing for our lives. These tragic losses impact all of our families and ultimately tear the fabric of our communities. When crashes do happen, we all deserve justice for our loved ones and community members.”

Angela McDonald, who has served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 25 years, shared the story of her son, Mark McDonald Ringgold, her youngest child and only son. On July 31, 2025, he was struck in a hit-and-run in West Philadelphia while walking home from work, just two blocks from his house. He was pronounced brain-dead at Presbyterian Hospital and passed away the next day, two weeks before his 33rd birthday.

“I stand before you today because I truly believe the Jay Alert system would definitely be a great asset in helping law enforcement agencies,” said McDonald. “It would allow leverage needed to be able to solve more leaving the scene crashes quicker and more efficiently if it was in implemented into law, as an experienced patrol officer of 25 years having handled many auto accidents by the time you arrive on location of the accident the tow truck drivers are usually on location already depending on the distance from where you’re coming by the time you arrive the tow truck drivers have the vehicles hooked up and they are ready to tow them to a garage or auto body shop and the owners of the auto body shops are not aware of the nature of the accident the vehicle was in whether or not it was auto verses auto or auto verses person or auto verses cyclist. With this system in place, they would be aware of these vehicles that are being sought by police that have been involved in hit and run crashes.”

Megan Eskuchen, Executive Assistant of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), spoke on her community work as a Vision Zero Philadelphia Ambassador to prevent traffic deaths and serious injuries across our city.

“Hit-and-run incidents are uniquely harmful. Beyond the physical injuries, they leave families without answers and without accountability,” said Eskuchen. “As highlighted in this hearing’s materials, dozens of lives are lost each year in Pennsylvania due to hit-and-run crashes, with hundreds more suffering serious injuries. These are not just statistics—they represent children who never make it home, families navigating lifelong trauma, and communities left searching for solutions.”

Jasmine Hoffman, PA Safe Roads PAC, spoke on her work to bring public awareness to Jay Alerts and advocate for legislation to make them a reality.

“Jay Alerts would not only support law enforcement but also empower the public to stay informed and engaged in keeping their neighborhoods safe,” said Hoffman. “Quick, targeted alerts can prevent further harm, encourage witnesses to come forward, and build a stronger connection between communities and public safety agencies.”

Testifiers for the hearing included: