Street racing is often portrayed as a fun and character-building activity. Many people watch movies like those in the Fast and the Furious series and try to emulate what they see. However, street racing is not an activity that you should engage in. There are several reasons why racing on public roads is incredibly dangerous, all of which could result in being served a subpoena by someone’s auto accident attorney or much, much worse.
High Speed
Street racers drive at extremely high speeds. Even if you are only going 10 miles over the speed limit, you are still more likely to get into an accident. The faster you drive, the slower your reaction time is. A quick reaction time is needed to avoid an accident.
Populated Areas
Streets are inherently used by drivers who are not participating in a race but whose lives are in danger when one is occurring nearby. Pedestrians, either there to witness the race or just passing through, are also at risk of being seriously hurt as a result of fast cars losing control. While some street racing communities make efforts to hold their events in places where there isn’t a lot of activity at night, such as industrial parks and derelict sides of town, as well as cordon off their impromptu race tracks – these efforts are never entirely safe.
Ignoring Red Lights
Street racers often run red lights. If you run a red light, then you are much more likely to be involved in an accident. In many cases, people cause multiple accidents by running a red light.
Police Response
Street races involve dozens of people assembled in a relatively small area participating in a very visible and audible illegal activity. There’s a good chance the police will arrive and when they do, these people will scatter, many in their tuned-up street racers. This adds up to a good chance someone is going to get into a bad accident.
Anger
Many street racers use driving as a way to release their pent-up anger and frustration. Anger can cloud judgment and make it more difficult for people to think clearly. This can affect one’s judgment and cause accidents.
Rain
Many street racers could care less about rain. They will engage in street racing in any type of weather. Rain makes road conditions more dangerous for any driver. However, it makes driving even more dangerous for the street racer. The rain will increase the car’s chances of skidding.
Drunk Driving
Many street racers have a few drinks before they get on the road. If you drink before getting behind the wheel, then it will be harder for you to focus. Alcohol will also slow down reaction time.
Common Injuries Caused by Street Racing
Internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, burns, broken bones, organ damage, and lacerations are some of the most common injuries associated with street racing. Many people’s lives are forever changed by a street racing accident. These accidents also cause major financial burdens because many victims require ongoing medical care.
Street racing accidents often result in death. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 49 out of 1,000 of the people who are injured in an accident were street racing.
Legal Consequences of Street Racing
Even if you manage to avoid getting into an accident, there are still legal consequences that you may face. You can be arrested and fined. You may also have to spend time in jail additionally; you may get your license revoked.
You may get your car insurance cancelled if you are caught street racing. If you get into a car accident, then your car insurer may not cover the cost of it if their own auto accident investigators determine you voided the policy.
Safer Alternatives to Street Racing
If you feel the need for speed, then you can choose drag racing instead of street racing. Drag racing is done at a local closed-course raceway. You will be able to have fun while participating in an amateur race. You will be keeping yourself safe and will not have to worry about endangering other people on the road.
Street racing can put your life in danger as well as endanger the other people who are on the road. You may also face legal consequences as well, so street racing is not worth it. That is why you should participate in safer racing on a closed-course raceway.