The Dangers of Street Racing
Street racing is the illegal act of racing on highways or public roads. Not only is street racing illegal, but it is also dangerous. Street racing poses significant dangers to not only the racers but also to other people. Street racing is to blame for many injuries and deaths. It is estimated that at least 50 people die every year because of street racing. To some drivers, this practice seems amusing. Inspired by movies and TV shows, some drivers find themselves tempted to engage in street racing. According to statistics, young drivers, especially those in their late teens to early twenties, are more prone to participate in street racing.
If a driver engages in street racing and causes an injury or death, they may be held liable. If you suffer injuries or lose a loved one because of a street racer, you may be entitled to compensation for, among other damages, medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. A qualified car accident attorney can help you file a compensation claim after a street racing accident.
Causes of Street Racing Accidents
Street racing accidents often occur due to a combination of factors. The following are some of the common causes of street racing accidents;
- High speeds: Street racing typically involves going past the speed limits. Driving above the posted speed limit reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. The higher the speed, the more challenging it is to maintain control of a vehicle.
- Impaired driving: Some of the drivers that engage in street racing get behind the wheel while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Impaired driving can affect a driver’s coordination and motor skills. It can also lead to poor judgment and impaired decision-making abilities.
- Distractions: Street racers may be distracted by several things, such as competitors and spectators. Unfortunately, even a few seconds of distraction are enough to cause an accident.
- Reckless driving: Street racers engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as weaving in and out of traffic and ignoring traffic signals, that increase the risk of accidents.
People at Risk of Being Injured by Street Racers
Street racers put themselves at grave risk. They also put many other people at risk. Potential victims of street racing accidents include;
- Bystanders or spectators
- Passengers in the vehicles racing
- Other drivers and passengers
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Motorcyclists
Common Street Racing Accidents
Street racing can result in various types of accidents. The severity of a street racing accident often depends on several factors, such as the speed at which the driver was going and road conditions. Some common street racing accidents include;
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Rollover accidents
Common Street Racing Accident Injuries
Because of the speed at which street racers go, street racing accidents often result in severe or fatal injuries. Some of the common injuries from street racing accidents include the following;
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Other head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Internal injuries
A street racing accident can result in lasting consequences. Street racing accident injuries may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you need legal help, contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Orlando, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Naples, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
popcenter.asu.edu/content/street-racing-0#:~:text=One%20unofficial%20estimate%2C%20derived%20from,a%20result%20of%20street%20racing.
