While street racing has been glamorized in movies, it is a dangerous and illegal activity that can lead to deadly street racing accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding plays a role in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. The faster vehicles travel, the more force there is upon impact, which makes street racing accidents one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. Even when crashes are avoided, street racing disrupts traffic, causes noise disturbances, and creates an overall sense of insecurity among people in the area.
If you or a loved one was injured in a street racing accident caused by another driver, contact an experienced car accident attorney for legal guidance and support. You may need help determining who is liable for the accident in order to hold the negligent party accountable, particularly if one or both drivers involved in the street race fled the scene.
Deadly Consequences of Street Racing Accidents
Street racing, which typically occurs on public roads, often leads to fatal accidents because of the high speeds, reckless maneuvers, and disregard for safety laws that goes along with it. As a group, street racers are more often teenagers, predominantly male, and have a higher incidence of previous crashes and driving violations, when compared to other drivers involved in fatal crashes.
National statistics show that 49 people are injured for every 1,000 who participate in illegal street racing. While it’s tragic when anyone’s life is lost, street racing often takes the lives of unsuspecting drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who were not involved in the race.
How many accidents are caused by street racing?
In 2001 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that police listed street racing as a factor in 135 fatal crashes. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System data for 1998–2001, there were 315 fatal crashes involving street racing with a total of 399 fatalities (representing 0.21 percent of all fatal crashes during this timeframe).
Alleged Street Racing Accident in Arlington Results in Fatality
As reported by whatcomnews.com, Washington State Patrol (WSP) is actively investigating a fatality collision that occurred on January 20, 2025 in the northbound lanes of I-5, north of the Stanwood exit (SR532) interchange in Arlington. A silver 2012 Infinity G37 sedan lost control and crossed all lanes of traffic, striking the trailer of a white 2020 Kenworth T680 semi-truck. Eye witnesses said the Infinity was racing a green 2021 Dodge Challenger prior to the collision.
Reducing Street Racing Activity
We can have safer communities when individuals understand the dangers of street racing and choose not to participate. Many communities have implemented educational programs and initiatives to discourage street racing, including school programs, community outreach, and public awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers and consequences. Some cities use technology, such as speed cameras and license plate recognition systems as a deterrent.
Street Racing is Illegal in Washington State
Street racing is illegal in many states, including Washington State, which means that drivers who participate or organize a street race may face criminal charges, fines, and vehicle impoundment.
In addition to criminal charges, those involved in street racing accidents may face civil lawsuits from victims seeking compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and property damage. This is where an experienced car accident lawyer can help.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
A car accident lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in a car accident with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
