Tea Fast and Furious The film franchise has achieved a status of popularity that I am sure far exceeds the expectations of everyone involved in the making of these films. The producers of these movies may have gotten the idea 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 scheduled to be released in 2017.
Fast cars, competition, drama, excitement, attractive 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 that is the euphoria caused by speed. Of course, this franchise isn’t the first time 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, not by a long shot; however, we seem to be hearing it much more often these days. It is probably impossible to determine if this is because it occurs more frequently, if accidents resulting from its practice are more widely reported, or if it has simply gained popularity. Whatever the reason, street racing can be exciting 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 at 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 the street races can be impromptu between drivers who they don’t know each other It can be the result of as little provocation as a driver revving his engine at a traffic light and a sense of ‘machismo’ arises. (Although women participate in illegal street racing, the drivers in such events are often men.) It would appear that was the case when, on July 1, 2013, a West Delray mother of two was the apparent victim of a street race. she went wrong because it is believed that the drivers did not previously know each other.
The woman was reportedly turning onto a highway shortly before 9 a.m. when she hit the passenger door of one of the speeding cars while weaving in and out of rush hour traffic. After the initial impact, the other driver who was running slammed into the driver’s side of the woman’s car, killing her instantly. It is estimated that the two speeding drivers were 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 running into a motorcycle when the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. After examining the car’s sensors, it is believed the driver of the vehicle was speeding 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 broke up a group of about 50 motorcycle racers. The 42-year-old man is the only suspect who was unable to evade officers. The charges he now faces are racing on a highway, reckless driving and not having a license to drive a motorcycle.
I’ve already mentioned the excitement many can gain from street racing, but the costs can often be devastating. Sometimes it is the runners 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 their life. It’s 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 going on. In fact, she was on her 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 speeding through our streets who are injured or killed, their lives are devastated as well. In this case, the two men who were involved in this incident were only 22 and 23 years old; one of whom was a college student. In the second incident, the driver was a 21-year-old Tamarac man who had plans to join the Marine Corps. One of these promising young men pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and is now serving four years in prison. Even after his release, he will still face four years of probation. If he violates his probation, he could receive 15 years in prison.
However, the victim’s mother stated, “Whether it’s a day in prison or 50 years in prison, our daughter will never return, but a proper prison sentence may discourage you and/or anyone else from driving similarly one day.” “. and thus save an innocent victim”.
The second driver is charged with reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, wrongful death due to negligence and speeding, but the case against him is still pending. He is expected to stand trial later this year.
In cases like these, those who participate in street racing that results in someone’s death can be charged with vehicular manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, or both crimes, 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 exciting, but in addition to the macho attitude of many who participate in street racing, the temptation of this practice also stems from the inherent understanding that it is patently dangerous. Anyone who gets involved in street racing surely realizes the risk involved or the rush you get from doing it would not exist. This action is much more serious 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 an ordinary speeding ticket.
Unfortunately, choosing to speed at any level can end in more than just a traffic ticket. Life-altering consequences are sure if an accident occurs. Lives are lost, the lives of the victims’ families are forever changed, and the lives of drivers are irrevocably altered as well.
If you have been charged with reckless driving and speeding due to street racing or any other reason, call us at 954-967-9888 for a free consultation.