Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill into law Nov. 12 increasing penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident involving deaths or injuries.

Doyle told reporters it was unacceptable that those leaving the scene of an accident faced lesser penalties than if they had stayed and rendered what could be lifesaving aid.

“With these harsher penalties, it is my hope that we will be able to encourage individuals to stay at the scene of an accident, assist the injured and take responsibility for their actions,” Doyle said.

Under the previous hit-and-run law, penalties varied for drivers who fled the scene of an accident, depending on whether a person was injured in the accident and on the severity of injuries, Milwaukee’s WDJT TV reported recently.

Fleeing the scene of an injury accident carried a fine up to $10,000 and a prison term of 42 months. A person who failed to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in a person’s death could be fined up to $10,000 and spend up to six years in prison.

AB375 increases the penalties for someone who fails to remain at the scene of an injury accident to no more than $50,000 and 15 years behind bars. A person failing to remain at the scene of a deadly accident could face fines up to $100,000 and 25 years in prison.