RISKS OF STREET RACING
In their most basic form, “car meets” are meetings of automobile lovers and street racers alike with the express goal of bringing their interests into the public view. This is often a vast abandoned parking lot, a large area they expressly requested permission to use, or other places known to be auto enthusiast-friendly where they are welcomed. While certain auto shows may include street racing, many shows may advise against racing at all. This is frequently done to avoid attracting the notice of local law authorities since meetups may quickly attract attention. Authorities ban any type of racing because the risks of street racing are deadly.
The COVID-19 pandemic had an unanticipated influence on our lives. Surprisingly, the epidemic resulted in a rise in the risks of street racing throughout North America. As a result of the shutdowns, cities around Canada have experienced an increase in illegal street racing. Illegal street racing was a concern in Ontario even before the outbreak. Street racers endanger everyone on the road, including other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Here are some risks of street racing that may have deadly consequences.
Speed and Lack of Control
When driving at higher speeds, there is a greater likelihood of being involved in a traffic collision. In a similar manner, driving at high speeds during a crash significantly raises the probability of sustaining life-threatening injuries. In street races, it is common for vehicles to reach speeds of more than one hundred miles per hour on city streets that are pretty narrow. Drivers of street racing almost lack experience, and that may increase the risks of street racing.
Ignoring Stop Signs and Running Red Lights
Street racers often disregard traffic signs and the lights at intersections. As a result, they put the safety of other cars that are approaching junctions in jeopardy. Collisions at intersections may result in head-on accidents as well as side-impact collisions; both types of collisions can cause injuries that are potentially life-threatening, traumatic, and permanent in nature.
Rollover Accidents
Accidents involving vehicles rolling over less often occur than other kinds of automobile crashes. On the other hand, a rollover accident has a significant likelihood of leading to injuries of a severe and even deadly kind. The victims of an accident involving a rollover have an increased risk of developing long-term injuries and impairments. When a car is racing at a high rate of speed, the likelihood of it rolling over is increased if it collides with a curb or another vehicle. Accidents involving rollovers have a very high mortality rate.
The drivers, onlookers, and innocent people in the area are all affected when street racing occurs. Accidents caused by street racing may result in the following:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Damage to the spinal cord and paralysis
- Limb loss and amputations
- Back and neck pain
- Scarring and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic encephalopathy
- Unjustified death
Right Track Racing is a not-for-profit organization founded by Police Officers who are dedicated to preventing stunt driving / street racing through education over enforcement. The organization works in conjunction with police services, schools, car clubs, local race tracks and other partners to educate the public about the dangers and consequences of stunt driving / street racing while encouraging safe, responsible and legal alternatives. RTR is also a resource for those who choose to modify their vehicles, any questions regarding vehicle modification can be answered through the program.
“If you’re tempted to street race, take it to the track”