If you and your friends decide to take off for the evening, find a remote area, and race your cars, no one is really being hurt – or are they? Recent court cases have made it clear that street racing is often not the victimless crime a person believes it is. Read on to learn more about potential charges for street racing and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 if you have been accused of or charged with a crime.
Superstars may make it look cool but that days are gone
Burt Reynolds, Steve McQueen, and others from that generation were often seen on the big screen driving around town in their muscle cars. The characters they played were tough guys who caused havoc everywhere they went. The sad fact is that some fans in Southern California have taken it upon themselves to follow this example in real life.
When you add today’s movies that glorify street racing, such as the Fast and the Furious movies and Blank Panther, there is a new generation of people speeding down the streets on public roads. However, there is one big difference between today’s crop of racers and those from the post: The addition of technology.
It is easier than ever before to organize these street racings
In the past, a few people may agree to when and where the race was going to take place and how many people showed up was largely the result of word of mouth. In this day and age, it’s much easier to get a lot of people to the race. Via social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, enthusiasts can find out about new races as soon as they’re agreed on. YouTube has encouraged amateurs to go beyond the limits they normally would.
Today’s cars make street racing even more dangerous
Advances in cars have been another aspect of street racing that’s just getting more and more dangerous every year. Today’s vehicles can go faster and accelerate faster than older, heavier cars could. This power may seem exciting but it comes with huge risk. The highest profile death was of Paul Walker, but others have lost their lives in similar accidents.
The police have access to the same technology you do
One of the most dangerous parts about getting together online to find places to street race is that the police can do the same. They can monitor the same message boards, Twitter accounts, etc. that you are using. If you end up charged with racing a vehicle by the police, you can expect more than a ticket. Without the right criminal justice attorney, you may be facing serious fines and even a few days in jail.
If you are not caught in the act, there can be still be significant consequences. Consider that if you were to hit a bystander during a race, and that bystander lost their life, you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter which carries a prison sentence.
