Tea Fast and Furious The film franchise has reached a popularity status that I am sure far exceeds the expectations of everyone involved in the making of these films. The producers of these movies may have had a suspicion that they would be making a sequel, but I doubt it ever occurred to them that seven of these movies would be made over the course of 14 years with an eighth in the series expected. released in 2017.
Fast cars, competition, drama, excitement, handsome men and women – these movies definitely have something to offer a very diverse audience. However, there is a common element in each of them, and it is the euphoria caused by speed. Of course, this franchise is not the first time that there has been massive exposure to the concept of street racing. It has been a central theme in many Hollywood productions such as Grease, Death Race 2000 and Cannonball Run, among others.
Street racing is not a new phenomenon, by any stretch of the imagination; however, it seems that we hear it much more often these days. It is probably impossible to determine if this is because it occurs more frequently, if the accidents that result from its practice are more widely reported, or if it has simply gained popularity. Whatever the reason, street racing can be exhilarating for those who participate in it, but it can often have tragic consequences.
Sometimes these races are organized between friends or associates, a matter of meeting in a certain place and time where there will be little traffic and fewer police, but sometimes there seems to be little concern for these matters and street races can be impromptu between drivers who they are not known. It can be the result of a small provocation, as a driver revs the engine at a traffic light and a certain sense of ‘machismo’ is activated. (Although women participate in illegal street races, the drivers of these events are usually men.) That would appear to be the case when, on July 1, 2013, a West Delray mother of two was apparently the victim of a street race. went wrong because it is believed that the drivers did not know each other before.
The woman was reportedly entering a highway shortly before 9 a.m. when she knocked on the passenger door of one of the cars speeding past her as she entered and exited rush-hour traffic. After the initial impact, the other driver who was running crashed into the driver’s side of the woman’s car, instantly killing her. The two speeding drivers are estimated to be traveling at speeds of approximately 100 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Unfortunately, this type of tragedy is not an isolated incident. Another similar incident occurred in Tamarac late last year in which a popular 20-year-old woman was killed when the car she was traveling in collided with a palm tree. According to one account, the car was driving a motorcycle when the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. After examining the car’s sensors, it is believed that the driver of the vehicle was accelerating to 42 mph over the posted speed limit.
Generally, those involved in this type of activity are usually young men, but like everything in life, there are exceptions to this generalization. A 42-year-old man was arrested in Palm Beach County when police disbanded a group of approximately 50 motorcyclists who were participating in races. The 42-year-old is the only suspect who was unable to evade officers. The charges he now faces are that of running on a highway, reckless driving and did not have a license to drive a motorcycle.
I already mentioned the excitement that many can get from street racing, but the costs can often be devastating. Sometimes it is the racers themselves who suffer the consequences of these actions, but all too often, the victims of street racing are not to blame for what happens to them. In the two heartbreaking cases mentioned above, an innocent person lost his life. It is impossible to say if the second victim I mentioned was an active participant, but it seems clear that the first victim was certainly not aware of what was happening. In fact, he was on his way to work when the calamity struck.
“All of our dreams and happiness have now been shattered,” this victim’s mother told a Palm Beach County circuit judge.
Even if it is not those who speed through our streets who are injured or killed, their lives are also devastated. In this case, the two men who were involved in this incident were only 22 and 23; one of whom was a college student. In the second incident, the driver was a 21-year-old Tamarac who had plans to join the Marines. One of these promising young men pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and is now serving four years in jail. Even after his release, he will still have to face four years of probation. If you violate your probation, you could receive 15 years in prison.
However, the victim’s mother stated: “Whether it’s one day in prison or 50 years in prison, our daughter will never come back, but a proper prison sentence may discourage similar driving on your part one day, and / or another person, and thus save an innocent victim. “
The second driver is charged with reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, negligent manslaughter and illegal speed, but the case against him is still pending. He is expected to be tried later this year.
In cases like these, those who participate in street races that result in the death of someone can be charged with vehicular manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, or both, as well as other charges. These charges can be felonies of the first or second degree, the consequences of which can be as serious as life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Yes, speeding can be exhilarating, but in addition to the macho attitude of many who participate in street racing, the appeal of this practice also stems from the inherent understanding that it is obviously dangerous. Anyone who participates in street racing will surely realize the risk involved or the rush it feels to do it, it would not exist. This action is much more severe than going a few miles over the speed limit because you are late for work. The ramifications, both legal and otherwise, are often much greater than a normal speeding ticket.
Unfortunately, the decision to speed to any level can end in more than just a traffic ticket. Life-changing consequences are certain if an accident occurs. Lives are lost, the lives of victims’ families are forever changed, and the lives of drivers are irrevocably altered as well.
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving and speeding due to street racing or for any other reason, call us at 954-967-9888 for a free consultation.
