Street Racing and Its Dangerous Consequences

When we picture drag racing, we are likely imagining the illegal races that take place on local streets by amateur drivers who speed their cars down the roads at high speeds. In actuality, that is street racing. Drag racing is a legal type of racing that takes place on specialized courses by professional drivers. Street racing is illegal, and too often leaves drivers and witnesses injured or killed.

Phoenix is a good example of a city that has seen these types of races on the rise, scaring residents and visitors alike, and creating an unpleasant environment to live in. Imagine you are out walking your dog at night, and you suddenly find yourself amidst a high-speed car race. You may very well end up severely injured. This sort of accident is a tragic occurrence, and if it happens to you, you should not have to pay for the expensive hospital bills needed for your treatment, or suffer a loss in income because you can no longer work. With the help of an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney, the people responsible will be held liable for your injuries, and they will be the ones that foot the bills.

Street racing crash kills one and leaves a town without power

A fatal two-car collision resulting from street racing recently occurred in Phoenix. The incident left one woman deceased, four individuals hospitalized, and caused a power outage in the vicinity. The collision took place near 39th and Southern avenues at approximately 9:30 p.m. Responding officers found two vehicles, one of which had rolled over, and the other had crashed into a fence. Fire department personnel extricated two men from the rolled-over vehicle.

Sadly, 19-year-old Lesli Vega Bolanos, a passenger in that vehicle, suffered fatal injuries. The two men were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. The occupants of the second vehicle sustained minor injuries. Witnesses reported that the two vehicles were racing westbound on Southern Avenue, and estimates indicated they were traveling at speeds exceeding 80 mph. The collision resulted in the destruction of an electrical pole, causing a power outage affecting approximately 7,000 customers. Power was mostly restored by 8 a.m. the following Monday. The incident highlights the tragic consequences of illegal street racing and its impact on both lives and the community.

How common is street racing in Phoenix?

In the past three years, there has been an uptick in street races. The increase began sometime around the COVID pandemic, likely due to the fewer number of cars that were on the road, and the increased amount of free time people had because of the lockdowns. Since then, people have noticed street racing occurring not only at intersections in the city, but also in small neighborhoods in the greater Phoenix area.

While these communities are trying to make their roads safer by talking to the City of Phoenix and the police department (which did result in a speed survey to little effect), in order for such preventative measures as speed humps, there needs to be “support from at least 70% of residents in the affected area and must obtain support from every resident whose home is within 100 feet of a proposed speed hump or speed cushion.” The residents themselves are also expected to pay for the installation of these safeguards, which isn’t very fair as they are not the ones creating the dangerous and illegal scenarios on the street.

What are the dangers of street racing?

Illegal street racing is extremely dangerous, especially for the drivers involved. While the thrill of speed and competition might be enough to draw in adrenaline junkies, the dangers associated with street racing can lead to catastrophic injuries and other severe consequences for those behind the wheel.

Some of the dangers that street racing poses include:

• High-speed collisions. Street racing often involves racing at high speeds on public roads or uncontrolled environments. The faster the vehicles go, the greater the force of impact in the event of a collision. High-speed collisions can result in severe injuries and fatalities.
• Loss of control. The intense acceleration and rapid speed changes during the race can lead to loss of vehicle control. Drivers may struggle to handle their vehicles, leading to swerving, skidding, or spinning out of control.
• Risk of rollovers. Rapid acceleration and sharp turns increase the risk of rollovers, particularly when racing on roads not designed for high-speed maneuvers. Rollovers can cause serious injuries and even eject drivers from their vehicles, as we unfortunately saw in the recent incident that happened in late August.
• Inadequate reaction time. The rapid pace of street racing leaves drivers with minimal time to react to sudden obstacles, turns, or other unexpected road conditions. This lack of reaction time increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Collision with objects. Racing at high speeds increases the chances of colliding with stationary objects such as trees, poles, barriers, or parked vehicles. These collisions can lead to significant injuries and vehicle damage – even damage to the surrounding community.
• Mechanical failures. Vehicles used in illegal racing might not be properly maintained for high-speed maneuvers. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can occur, leading to loss of control and accidents.
• Lack of safety gear. Drivers in these races are likely not thinking about their safety, and might neglect to wear proper safety gear, such as helmets, seatbelts, and protective clothing. This lack of protection increases the risk of injuries in the event of an accident.
• Traffic disruption. Street racing often takes place on public roads, disrupting the normal flow of traffic. Sudden starts, stops, and aggressive maneuvers by racing vehicles can cause traffic jams, confusion, and road rage among other motorists.
• Pedestrian endangerment. Street racing can put pedestrians at risk, especially at intersections or areas where pedestrians cross the road. Racing vehicles moving at high speeds may not have enough time to stop for pedestrians.

In the street racing accident that took place in August, it is obvious that the crash not only affected the drivers and their passengers, but also the surrounding neighborhood. A loss of power is not a superficial inconvenience, as some people rely heavily on electricity to power important health devices in their home.

Street racing is inherently dangerous, not just for the drivers, but for everyone around them. With the catastrophic injuries street racing accidents can cause, it’s important to understand that if you are ever injured due these reckless drivers, that you seek out the help of a Phoenix car accident attorney. At Plattner Verderame P.C., our experienced team is prepared to handle the complex legal process so that you can focus on healing while we ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us at our Phoenix or Tempe offices, or use our contact page.