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Nearly half of all fatal hit-and-run accidents in the past five years were caused by drunk or unlicensed drivers, National Police Agency data showed Tuesday.

Out of 420 hit-and-run deaths from 2019-2023, 50.2 percent, or 211 people, were hit by drivers who were driving without a license or under the influence of alcohol, according to data submitted to Rep. Jo Eun-hui of the ruling People Power Party.

During the same period, 30.5 percent of the 49,562 people injured from hit-and-run cases involved drunk or unlicensed drivers, the same data showed.

A total of 35,494 hit-and-run cases have been reported nationwide in the past five years.

Hit-and-runs that result in human casualties are subject to aggravated punishment, and violations of the Road Traffic Act may also apply if the driver was drunk driving or driving without a license.

"Hit-and-runs involving drunk driving are a grave crime that causes a tragedy beyond recovery to the victim and their families and friends," said Jo, calling for individuals to observe the law and for stern punishment for perpetrators. (Yonhap)