Many drivers are too young to take part in adult-only activities, such as going to bars.  As an alternative, they may choose to take their excitement out on the streets.

            “Unlike going to clubs or out to bars, young drivers don’t need admittance to go out to race with others,” said Cameron Diaz, freshman.  “Even those who are old enough might choose to race instead because it’s something they enjoy doing.”

            The culture of street racing has been around since the early 1900s.  Since then, many movies and video games about different forms of racing have been released.  This increased its popularity, and more people have started to participate in the illegal races.

            People may race because they do not do drugs, so the adrenaline rush is their temporary high.  Some people do it to put on a show because well-prepared race contests can attract up to about 500 people.  They may enjoy the risks they are facing including the chance of being chased by the cops.

“Most teenagers have a need for speed.  They think it’s fun to race or drive fast,” said Cyrus Kolar, junior.  “It adds some adventure to their lives.”

            Although there are tracks to race on, not everyone has access, and people do not want to pay the track fee.  The thrill of racing on city streets exceeds the sensation of holding the contests on race tracks, and everyone has access to the streets.  The races that teens take part in are usually impulsive contests between two drivers who end up at the same traffic signal.

  Reckless driving is the leading cause of death for teens and young adults.  Teens are putting their lives and other drivers, spectators and pedestrians in danger when engaging in the races because speeding is one of the top reasons why vehicle accidents take place.

            “Someone pulled up in a car and taunted my friend.  They ended up racing on a dark street and were going so fast that they couldn’t see a curbed bridge coming up,” said Aubrey Barker, freshman. “[My friend] drove straight through the metal beam and fell into the river.  He didn’t make it out alive.”

            People may race for pride, fame, money or simply for entertainment, but the company of peers, passengers or spectators, also increases the possibility of teens taking risks.

            “Even though it is dangerous, I think people race because [of] the thrill and the adrenaline rush.  It might make them feel adventurous and invincible since it’s illegal,” said Diaz.

            However, illegal street racing may result in death to oneself or others.  About 68% of illegal street racing deaths are caused by racers the ages of 15 to 29.  Fines, suspension of a driver’s license, an abiding arrest record or prison time if an accident occurs are other consequences for engaging in this illegal activity. Those who race usually do not realize what could happen until they are involved in an accident.

            “I wouldn’t get in a car with a dangerous driver after what happened to [my friend].  No one else should either.  It’s just too risky,” said Barker.

Authorities are undertaking different approaches to discourage street racing that include a lifetime loss of one’s license, vehicle constraint and cancellation of car insurance.  Bystanders may be liable to discipline as well.  They can be fined and put in jail for watching and being within 200 feet of a street race.

            “Don’t do it. It’s not worth the risk.  I totaled my car speeding and was lucky no one got hurt.  I had to take a safe driving class, and we learned the most fatal accidents happen at higher speeds,” said Kolar.