FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 30, 2005
Contact: Barbara LoMoriello, Legislative Aide -- #(631) 854-4500

What a Drag!
Cooper Calls for Seizure of Illegal Street Racers’ Vehicles to Protect Public Safety

Disturbed by the alarming increase in injuries and fatalities resulting from illegal street or "drag" racing on Suffolk roads, County Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) has introduced a bill designed to make foolhardy, pedal to the metal-heads pay dearly for their reckless sprints.

Cooper has authored a resolution that would protect unsuspecting residents from becoming casualties in illegal street races by permitting Suffolk County police to seize the vehicles of drag racers. Seized vehicles may either be sold at auction or retained for official use by a Suffolk County agency.

Fatal accidents caused by drag racers are becoming an American epidemic. In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that illegal street racing was listed as a factor in 135 fatal crashes. Current nationwide statistics show that nearly 50 out of 1,000 illegal drag racers or spectators will be seriously injured in racing accidents. As these numbers continue to rise, they are creating dire consequences here at home.

This summer an Elmont woman was killed when her Honda caught fire after being struck from behind by a car that was drag racing on Hempstead Turnpike. On July 22, the Southern State Parkway became a tomb for a young Queens couple who were killed in a hit and run crash that authorities believe was caused by members of one of Long Island’s several street racing "crews." These groups coordinate with one another to choose the locations and times for their races.

Law enforcement authorities, including those here in Suffolk, have been trying to put the brakes on these events. In Los Angeles, it’s a misdemeanor to even watch an illegal race. In Suffolk, the rash of illegal racers shows signs of growing worse despite stepped up efforts to crack down on them. The Suffolk County Police Department ticketed 93 people for speed races in 2003 and gave out 146 violations in 2004. This year seems on pace to top last year, too. Through July, 89 racers have already been fined.

"All of my bills that have dealt with driving treat being behind the wheel as a privilege not a right," says Cooper. "I can’t imagine anyone who deserves to have that privilege revoked more than a person who completely disregards public safety by purposely treating our public roads as private speedways."

Cooper’s resolution is currently be considered by the Legislature’s Public Safety & Public Information Committee and will be taken up for discussion at their September 22nd session. Cooper is confident the idea of taking away street racers’ wheels will pick up support and expects a speedy final passage at the Legislature’s next regular meeting on September 27th in Riverhead.