Historically lax enforcement of the laws against illegal street racing made Houston a national hot spot for the activity. Houston authorities tried in 2002 to curtail the activity locally through a high-profile enforcement campaign called ERACER. Unfortunately, the mass arrests of young people gathered in parking lots and other spots for street racing turned into a public relations nightmare. And Houston police have been a bit reluctant since then to try again.
Street racing still remains most popular among the very young drivers and their friends who are sometimes even younger. Street racing is a risky activity with frequent crashes. And those willing to try the thrill and risk of street racing are also prone to take the additional risk of riding without seat belts. So vehicle occupants often get ejected from their vehicles during a street racing crash. The risks of fatal injury during a crash are magnified immensely if you get ejected from your vehicle.
The Potentially Fatal Consequences of Street Racing in Houston
Just this Friday near midnight, one teen was killed and two younger children were killed in a fatal crash that Houston police indicate likely started with a street race. Houston police say the driver of a GMC pickup truck ran a red light at Uvalde and I-10. His red light running caused two other vehicles to crash. Witnesses said that the black GMC pickup truck was street racing on the East Freeway feeder road near Uvalde before crashing.
The pickup crashed into a light pole. The impact ejected several people from the truck. A teen girl, 19, in the truck died in the fatal crash in east Houston. Two younger children from the truck received transport to the hospital for their injuries from the street racing wreck. The driver of the pickup truck, 18, suffered major injuries from the fatal street racing crash. Police said charges against the driver are pending. (Source: click2houston.com, 10/27/12)
These were all young people whose lives were tragically ended or drastically changed by the temporary and dangerous thrill of street racing. Despite the dangers, the illegal activity continues to lure people, young and older, to Houston to engage in street racing.
What can be done? Law enforcement efforts run afoul of indulgent parents and advocates. Educational campaigns perhaps only enhance the lure in the eyes of the impressionable.
Contact the Houston Injury Attorneys at Denena & Points with Your Ideas or if Street Racing has injured You or Your Loved Ones
The Houston Injury Attorneys at Denena & Points make ongoing efforts to promote safer driving conditions in and around Houston. After all, we have to drive here too. And we want to help those who have been injured and traumatized by the serious accidents in our area.
At Denena & Points, our Houston injury attorneys have more than 14 years of experience guiding clients to successful recoveries of financial compensation after serious accidents. Your full financial recovery could help get you through the medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial and emotional burdens you face after a traumatic accident has affected your family. Call us today or reach us online through our Get Help Now contact form.