So far in 2018, 12 people have been arrested for street racing. In comparison, only four people were arrested for the same crime in 2017. LPD is stepping up their street patrolling game to get all dangerous street racers off the road.
Officer Tino Blanco patrols the streets, watching for dangerous drivers. One thing he looks for is street racing, and he often has police dispatch tell him about complaints called into Lubbock police.
“They’re concerned for high rates of speed and the danger, not just for the driver, but the other people on the roadway traveling normal,” he said.
Now they’re cracking down on speedy drivers and wannabe racers.
“Most of the time, it’s going to be later in the evening when the sun has gone down, less traffic and they probably don’t think the police will be looking out for it as much,” Blanco said.
But that’s where they are wrong, as police continue to watch for racing at all hours. Part of the reason there might have been more arrests this year is LPD’s Mustang unit, which focuses on dangerous driving.
“The thing that makes it stand out is the high engine revving, squealing tires, that makes it stand out,” Blanco said.
It’s not only illegal, but also incredibly dangerous. Last summer, there were several accidents that occurred because of street racing.
“You have a bunch of difference factor,” Blanco explained. “The wind in Texas is one of those things. If it catches them the right way it can force them to the other lane and into oncoming traffic.”
LPD said racing happened most around 82nd Street, Milwaukee and Loop 289. They also warned if you see street racing near you to make sure you get out of the way, or turn down a side street. Then, call police.
If you’re pulled over for racing, it’s a misdemeanor offense. Those charges could escalate to a felony charge if racing causes any bodily injury or if you get pulled over for racing multiple times.