Image: No Details
Street racing jeopardizes
everyone's safety and it's illegal
Aggressive driving and street racing have a glamorous appeal for some drivers. It is a dangerous and unlawful activity, which puts many innocent people at risk. No matter how experienced a driver may be, many vehicles are modified beyond the capabilities of the driver and their vehicle.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation credits speeding and loss of control with the deaths of 363 people in 2003. Of all speed related collisions documented, 72 per cent occurred on municipal roads.
Signs that you may know a racer
Have a look at the outside of the vehicle and if necessary have a licensed mechanic look at the engine. Modifications to enhance the look of the car are minor compared with performance enhancing modifications. These modifications
are not always performed by licensed mechanics or to the automobile manufacturers?€? specifications.
Tips for parents before handing over the keys:
- Check websites being visited
- Monitor interest in movies/computer games related to racing
- Look for excessive wear on tires
- Watch for increased costs for maintenance and parts
Modifications and accessories common to street racers
Image: No Details
Four or five point seat belt harness- Aftermarket induction (super charger/turbo charger)
- Oversized tachometers
- Graphics indicating race participation
- Low profile tires/larger rims
- Lowered suspension
- Modified air intakes
- Racing pedals
- Roll cage
- Fuel cell
Image: No Details
Big/loud exhaust- Slick tires
- Short shifter
- Nitrous oxide
Insurance
Being involved in street racing and making modifications to your vehicle can have a significant impact on insurance.
Some insurance companies will cancel your insurance altogether. Insurance rates, making it difficult or expensive to find another insurer.
If your vehicle is involved in a collision while racing your insurance may be void.
The law and street racing
For too many street racers and their innocent victims, the finish line is a long-term hospital bed or the morgue. For others it's court and jail. The following are a few of the laws that relate directly to street racing.
Dangerous driving
Dangerous driving carries a term of imprisonment for up to five years. However, if there is injury involved the term can be increased up to 10 years. If death results from the act of dangerous driving, the driver can face a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.
Careless driving
Careless driving and racing fines range between $200 to $1,000 and or imprisonment up to six months. A driving suspension of up to two years may also be imposed. As well, the vehicle with which the offence was committed can be impounded from the time of the driver's arrest to the end of the trial.
Increased fines and penalties
- 6 demerit points for racing
- Increased fine for speeding 30-34 km/h over the posted speed limit from $4.50 per km to $7.00 per km
- Longer court-ordered licence suspensions for repeat offenders who speed 50km/h or more over the posted speed limit
- Up to 60 days for 2nd offence within a 5-year period
- Up to one year for 3rd or subsequent offence within a 5-year period
G2 driver restrictions
- During the first 6 months, a G2 driver may carry only one passenger under 20 years old between midnight and 5 a.m.
- After 6 months in G2 and until the driver gets their full G licence or turns 20, they may carry up to 3 passengers under 20 years old between midnight and 5 a.m.
Image: No Details
The eRASE program
Eliminate Racing Activity on Streets Everywhere
eRASE is an awareness and enforcement campaign run jointly by police services, the Ontario government and community partners that aims to curb illegal street racing and high-risk driving behaviours.
Remember, driving is a privilege not a right. If you see or know of street racing activity in your area, contact your local police service.