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.
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.
