The Impact of Street Racing
- Jaylen Rambarran
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Speeding is one of the most common dangerous behaviors drivers engage in. It contributes to 54% of traffic fatalities worldwide, with over 1 million people dying each year in crashes where speed is a factor. The numbers speak for themselves: speeding may feel routine, but it remains a serious risk with consequences that are often tragic and irreversible.
More than 1 million people die each year in speed-related collisions
Street racing takes this already dangerous behavior to the extreme. It entails illegally racing vehicles on public roads without permission at extremely high speeds. Typically, these events happen late at night when police presence is lower and in more isolated settings like industrial complexes, with the number of participants and spectators varying from a few dozen to hundreds. Troublingly, with the rise of entertainment that glorifies street racing, including social media, movies and video games, this deadly pastime is on the rise.
Dangers Of Street Racing
Street racing is illegal for a reason. The risk of collision, injury, and fatality is extremely high. At higher speeds, drivers have less control over their vehicles, take longer to stop, and hit objects with much greater force. Irregularities in the road surface, like road potholes or uneven pavements, can be enough to cause a driver to lose control when driving at extreme speeds. Mechanical failure, such as problems with brakes, tires, or steering, can have the same effect, especially at extreme speeds. Street racing is also incredibly dangerous for spectators, who often stand close to the action and have no protection if a driver loses control and veers off course.
Drivers who street race are 5 times more likely to be involved in a collision
According to a study published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, street racers are 5 times more likely to be involved in a collision than other drivers. The same study also found that drivers are more likely to engage in street racing after using alcohol or marijuana, further increasing the risk of a deadly outcome. Aside from the obvious risks of injury or death, street racing can have some other very serious consequences, including:
Fines
Licence suspension
Vehicle impounded
Increased insurance rates
Jail time
Safer Alternatives
Street racing is never acceptable. While many engage in this activity for the adrenaline rush that comes with high speeds, there are safer and legal ways to enjoy racing as a sport. Many cities have dedicated racetracks that offer a safe and controlled environment for high-speed driving. Racetracks have trained professionals on site, proper safety equipment available, and courses specifically designed to minimize risk. Most importantly, racetracks are closed spaces where there is no danger of bystanders crossing paths with vehicles. In Ontario, Canada, police have been working to curb street racing through a project called E.R.A.S.E., which offers safe racing options like those mentioned above.
The bottom line is that street racing is extremely dangerous. Speeding in any form can have life-threatening consequences and when this already risky and careless behavior goes to the extreme, the safety of everybody is jeopardized.
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