Tragedy of Weekend Crash Won't Stop Street Racers
posted 10:57 pm Mon February 18, 2008 - Suitland, Md.
Fans describe it as an addicting speed-induced high.
Sporting souped up cars and travelling at reckless speed down open roads with the fear of getting caught, street-race enthusiasts say they gather across Maryland, Virginia, and the District at least several times a week.
Former street-racer Gregg Brooks explains that all it takes is a text message or from word of mouth for a group to gather and race.
"You catch a long flat, nobody around, you make it happen and you leave," Brooks said.
Even with the use radar detectors to elude police, racers often pay heavy penalties.
Before Brooks quit racing, he had racked up 30 speeding tickets, including one for exceeding the speed limit of 100 miles an hour.
But drivers aren't the only ones taking risks when it comes to racing.
Often times, like in Saturday's fatal accident, crowds will gather to watch the races and even bet on the outcome.
Antuan Black was in the crowd when the eight spectators were killed, but he said that isn't enough to stop him from coming back for more.
"It might open people's eyes for a little bit," Black said. "You might have a couple people saying 'hey I'm not doing that anymore,' but there's gonna be people right back out there."
Prince George's County officials are currently looking into new ways to limit the number of street-races in the area. They plan to meet Tuesday to discuss how to better gather intelligence to help authorities crackdown on street-racing.
Currently, any driver caught street-racing in Maryland get 5 points on their license.
Latest Comment on Tragedy of Weekend Crash Won't Stop Street Racers
jonesdl66
4:58 pm on 02/19/08
I feel very sorry for the family of the victims so my heart and prayers go out to them. Md is going to start giving out five points or more for exceeding the speed limit now. WTF? Is the state up to chasing motorcyclist and causing horrific accidents like they did last year. Who's going to stop knowing they are about to get there license taken for exceeding the speed limit? They really need to rethink this. It was a tragedy but do the state really think this will deter street racing. Again someone please tell me why in the heck were folks in the street? You can't tell who won or is winning at 3 AM in the morning standing behind the cars? WTF?
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