Street drag racing is an illegal type of motor vehicle competition which is not sanctioned and can be an extremely dangerous activity for those involved. Typically taking place on public roads and without any safety precautions, illegal street racing can be either a well-planned event or a spontaneous competition between two drivers who simply approach the same traffic light.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report that, in 2001, police cited illegal street races as a factor in 135 fatal motor vehicle crashes almost double the number recorded the prior year. Nationally, it is estimated that for every 1,000 people that participate in street drag races 49 are injured.
Have you or someone you love been injured because of a drag race on a public road? If so, you may be entitled to compensation because of the physical pain and emotional anguish you endured. The Cincinnati car accident attorneys of O’Connor, Acciani & Levy feel that another drivers reckless decisions should not be ignored when they cause you pain and injury, which is why we always fight for the MAXIMUM amount of compensation due to our clients.
Accidents Caused By Street Drag Races
Not only are these impromptu shows of bravado dangerous to the drivers, but the high speeds and reckless manner in which the cars are operated presents a serious risk for any other vehicles or pedestrians in the area. These competitions can take place on back roads or on Ohio’s interstates, creating hazard after hazard for fellow motorists.
Some of the following accidents are those most commonly caused by illegal street races:
- Rollover accidents
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- to name a few.
Typically, accidents that result from crashes at high speeds are extremely violent and cause serious damage to personal property. The higher rate of speed a driver travels, the easier it is to lose control and spin out, hitting other vehicles or flipping the car.
Ohio Street Racing Laws
Under Ohio law, it is illegal to participate in street racing on any public road, street or highway within the state. Legally defined as the operation of two vehicles on a point-to-point course trying to outdistance each other at speeds in excess of posted limits, this illegal activity even extends to participants who are assisting in the race but not driving.
Street racing is a first degree misdemeanor punishable with suspension of the offenders license for no less than 30 days in the state of Ohio. Serious consequences can result for a drag racing driver, which can alter their life or the lives of others in seconds.
A few of those consequences include:
- Arrest
- Jail time
- Criminal charges if someone died
- Fines
- Loss of vehicle
- Suspension of license
- Car insurance cancellation
- Car insurance rate increase
- License revocation
- and others.
Spectators at these events can also be fined, as Ohio law does not tolerate participation or condoning of street drag racing activities in any form. If you were hurt because of a negligent drag racing driver, you may have a personal injury claim for the damages and injuries you sustained as a result of the crash.
Contacting an experienced auto accident attorney will give you the peace of mind that your case is being handled professional while you recover and explore your options for legal recourse. Driver negligence in Ohio should not be tolerated, and a caring an intelligent law firm can help to guide you toward a successful verdict or settlement.
Our Attorneys Will Fight For Your Rights
Victims of auto accidents can feel overwhelmed and helpless following the incident. With so much to consider and only a limited time to act, the pressure can be difficult and cause serious anxiety. The personal injury attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy want to assist the victims of illegal street drag races are here to take some of the strain out of the situation.
We are proud to offer our compassion, professionalism and reliability to the citizens of Ohio & Northern Kentucky and passionately fight for justice for our clients, as we have since 1992.
Let us put our reputation of success to work for you. Call (877) 288-3241 today to discuss the details of your case with our legal staff, confidentially and 100% free.