Illegal street racing is not something to be taken lightly

Illegal street racing is not a new trend. Ever since transportation has been available to the masses, people (often young) have taken to the streets to challenge one another. Throughout the 1960's and early 1970's, this activity was fueled by muscle cars and big block engines. Today, the technology has changed but not the act itself. Here's what one reader had to say:

---

I would just like to comment on illegal street racing as an incident in my home city of Toronto, Canada has just recently occurred. A cab driver was killed in an accident (and I use that term loosely as it could have been avoided) caused by two young people racing. I firmly believe two things regarding this matter. Firstly, harsher punishments should be implemented for youngsters who are charged with crimes of this nature. The consequences are simply not enough to deter the youth from their reckless nature. I know this because I was once a heedless adolescent myself.
What I really wanted to express my opinion on was how I feel that auto racing on a private track is such a great alternative for kids with the need for speed. Young people have tendencies to drive dangerously fast because it is exciting and risky, and what better way to let out those emotions than in a controlled environment.
Nobody is saying the kids shouldn't want to drive fast and show off their muscle, but at least do it on a track where they are away from pedestrians, other motorists, etc. I think this is something police should consider promoting to youngsters, in hope of reducing illegal street racing and creating a safer atmosphere for everyone.
Anthony Calligaro

---

Some great points above. This is how most of the driving public feels. With movies like The Fast and the Furious, a new generation has learned to incorporate technology (cell phones, GPS) into the fray to elude the heat and further the expansion of this kind of activity. There is no problem with racing, however there is a time and a place to do it. For as little as $150-$200 people can register to take their own car on to a race track for an entire day to have some fun.

A race track is the ideal place to test the limits of your car. On the streets you have to deal with uneven road surfaces, distractions, pedestrians, and other motorists. And you can kill someone, or place them in a wheel chair for the rest of their lives.

People who've taken part in illegal street racing are not bad people, but they've made a bad decision which can hurt themself and others. You can also lose your car, your freedom (you can go to jail you know) and you'll have to live with the consequences for the rest of your life. Is illegal street racing worth it?

articles from www.all-about-car-selection.com