SPOKANE, Wash. – Under the new laws going into effect in 2024, tougher penalties for street racing, an increasingly popular, dangerous, and sometimes even deadly crime, will be emphasized on the roads across Washington.
“We’re going to go after these people that are endangering peoples’ lives,” Washington State Patrol Sergeant Greg Riddell said.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) is cracking down on street racing as drivers take to the roads across the nation. From Seattle to Spokane, illegal racing is a growing concern as cars drift across streets; WSP Sergeant Riddell said it only takes the snap of a finger for things to turn deadly.
“It only takes that quick before someone’s life can be ended,” he said.
However, under the new laws passed by the Senate, hopefully change is on the way.
“The first 30 to 60 days when a new law comes into effect, what we’re going to do is do a lot of aspects of education and get everything out on social media, educate the public on what this new law means to them,” Riddell said.
So, what constitutes street racing?
Well, it’s simple. Anyone who willfully compares or contests speed with another driver on the road is considered racing. And you don’t even need to be going over the speed limit.
Another component is the drifting element, which can be very dangerous when mixed with high speeds. Drifting is when drivers intentionally oversteer the car, causing it to lose traction on the road. Think of drivers spinning “donuts” on the roads; it’s easy to lose control entirely.
“All these things have caused serious injuries and deaths in the state of Washington, and what we want to do is keep the racing on the track and not out on our roadways,” Riddell said.
If WSP finds someone to be guilty of street racing, they can face arrest and their car can be impounded. According to the new law, that impound could last up to 72 hours after the first offense, and the car could be forfeited after a second.
Also, anyone who aided or abetted street racers can also be charged.
The reason for the tougher punishment all comes back to safety.
“I fear that my daughter or my son is driving through an intersection with their family, and a street racer doesn’t see the red light, and ends their lives,” Riddell said. “I think that’s what everybody should be thinking about, because it can go that quick.”
