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The Dangers Of Illegal Street Racing
ILLEGAL RACING STATS
In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that police listed street racing as a factor in 135 fatal crashes.
The total was up from 72 street-racing-related fatalities reported in 2000. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, more than 800 citations for illegal street racing were issued in 2001.
The city's attorney's office prosecuted:
-147 illegal street racing cases in 1999
-161 in 2000
-290 in 2001
In Florida in 2001, 7,216 citations were issued for racing on the highway.
-In 1999, the Florida Department of Highway and Safety for Motor Vehicles reported 28 accidents related to Illegal Street racing with 2 fatalities and 27 injuries.
-In 2000, the agency reported 39 racing accidents, with 1 fatality and 55 injuries.
-In 2002, there were 48 racing accidents, 1 fatality, and 60 injuries.
According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 16 and 20. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says 5,749 teens died in the United States from motor vehicle crash injuries in 1999. Nationwide statistics show that 49 people are injured for every 1,000 who participate in illegal street racing.
As a result, city and state ordinances have been issued regarding illegal street racing. Though laws vary, here are some penalties faced by street racers:
-You can be arrested and have your car impounded for 30 days.
-If convicted of street racing or aiding and abetting a street race, you can be imprisoned for up to three months and fined up to $1,000.
-Spectators are subject to penalties as well. Your driver's license can be revoked. Your car insurance may be cancelled or the rates dramatically increased.
-Cars in and around Illegal Street races are often issued equipment violations.
WHAT IS A DRAG RACE?
A drag race is a contest between two vehicles racing side by side in a straight line at a designated, controlled racetrack, usually on a quarter-mile. In most drag racing categories, the first vehicle to the finish line wins. In some cases, such as Jr. Drag racing, the course is an eighth-mile instead of a quarter-mile.
A drag racing event is made up of a series of individual two-car races called eliminations. Winners of each two-car race advance until only one winner remains.
There are many reasons that contribute to street racing by younger generations. These include, but are not limited to:
-Fame
-Thrill
- Cool
-Media influence
On the other hand, most people do not realize the consequences of engaging in illegal street racing. These include, but are not limited to:
-Death and injury (self and others)
-Arrest (Misdemeanor/Felony)
-Jail time
-Fines
-Driver license suspension
-Vehicle impound
-A permanent arrest record
For teens risk taking is common,
-So why do teens insist on street racing?
-Some say it's the adrenaline rush. "It's indescribable really. It's just like power," says Paul Smith, 18. Paul was sent to jail and had his license suspended for street racing.
-Justin, 22, agrees: "Adrenaline, you can't beat it. It's the worst drug; you know, you got some, you want more. You got power; you want more. You never stop."
-Some teen’s race for money, others do it just for pride.
Car Before
Car After
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Copyright © 2004 Justin Davis. All Rights Reserved