Racing In The Streets

8% of all fatal accidents in 1998 - gets together and attempts to engage in speed-related activities, a dangerous situation is bound to ensue." (Lyle).
             The tragic fact is that not just racers die in these speed contests (the legal term for street racing). In San Diego, CA, "in 1998, the most recent year for which statistics were available, 14 people died in racing related incidents in the county." (sdstreetracing.com) "Illegal street racers have been known to run off roads into crowds of spectators. "I can't say enough how dangerous it is," [LAPD Sgt. Steven] Dell said." (Liu) Street racing is exciting, but it is too dangerous "there is no room for error on a drag strip, let alone on a public street, where unexpected traffic, uneven roads and inexperienced drivers, some as young as 16, form a deadly combination." (Rendon) Obviously it is dangerous, but then why, knowing the very real dangers, would anyone choose to race?.
             "Racers love their sport enough to risk accident or death." (Rebels with Cause) These illegal and dangerous activities are not even always for money "often, it's just for bragging rights." (Wood and Scherer Staff) Street racing, illegal and idiotic, can simply be boiled down to stunted mental development, or maybe, simply, a lack of a brain. ""Some people do stupid things." If you ask Los Angeles police Captain Ron Bergmann, just being out here qualifies." (Lopez) As I said before, street racing is simply stupidity. As a testament to the stupidity of the sport, most racers do not fear being caught, rather that they "might not win." (Rebels with Cause).
             Street racing obviously is a problem. Now that street racing has been identified as a problem, the question shifts to: "who or what is to blame for this deadly problem?" "Some people believe Hollywood, testosterone, and feelings of immortality may be leading to an increase in street racing." (Ford and Levinthal) Which is to blame? Is it Hollywood, testosterone, or immortal feelings? ""My hunch is that it [street racing] goes in cycles," said Andover, Mass.