Street racing is an incredibly dangerous and illegal activity.
18-Year-Old Arrested After Critically Injuring 12-Year-Old Girl in Street-Racing Accident
According to a KSAT News report, a young man was arrested after crashing while street racing last night.
Police reported the accident occurred at around 11 p.m. on August 4th at the intersection of I-37 and Southeast Military Drive. An 18-year-old was street racing a Mitsubishi southbound and lost control, swerving into a grassy median. His passenger, a 12-year-old girl who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle. She landed on top of an SUV in a nearby apartment parking lot, where residents helped her until EMS arrived. The girl was hospitalized in critical condition. The young man was not drunk at the time but was arrested on charges of racing on a highway, causing serious bodily injury.
Did You Know?
Street racing caused 315 fatal accidents between 1998 and 2001.
Why is Street Racing Illegal in Texas?
People have been racing vehicles for almost as long as they have existed. There is nothing wrong with racing, and it can be a thrilling (though inherently risky) sport if you keep it on track.
Extreme danger is presented to both you and pedestrians when you race your vehicle illegally on the highway. Let’s take a look at why street racing is illegal in Texas (spoiler: it’s not just because the government doesn’t want you to have fun).
The Dangers of Street Racing
Street racing is illegal because it can kill you and the people around you. It’s extremely dangerous because:
- Highways Aren’t Racetracks — They are not designed for such high speeds and will have obstacles present that even professionals don’t deal with on a sanctioned racetrack.
- Mechanical Failure — Racecars are designed for racing — your souped-up Honda Civic is not. Mechanical failure (such as a tire blowout or brake failure) can cause you to quickly lose control of your vehicle. At such high speeds, that’s a fatal mistake.
- You’re Not a Professional Race Car Driver — Professional race car drivers train, diet, and exercise for most of their young life before they are able to face the danger of the track. It takes more than a few YouTube videos and natural talent to operate a vehicle at such high speeds.
The Consequences of Street Racing
Street racing charges in Texas will range from a misdemeanor to a felony charge. Factors that affect the severity of the charge include:
- Previous convictions,
- Driving record,
- Whether anyone was injured,
- If a minor was injured or was a passenger.
Addition consequences can include:
- License suspension,
- Reckless driving charges (misdemeanor, up to 30 days jail time),
- And your vehicle can be impounded and sold at auction.
You may be charged simply for viewing a street-racing event in Texas — you do not have to participate to face charges. You can also face a civil trial in addition to a criminal trial if you injure anyone while participating in street racing.
Injured in a Street Racing Accident? Call Shaw.
Accidents like this happen frequently in San Antonio and across Texas. You shouldn’t have to pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault. If you were injured by a street racer, call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to get a free consultation with one of our attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice.
We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.