Texas Governor Greg Abbott took decisive action to combat the escalating issue of illegal street racing and street takeovers in the state. On August 2, Governor Abbott signed two bills into law aimed at cracking down on this dangerous trend.
Joined by Fort Worth public safety officials and Mayor Mattie Parker, as well as Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw, Governor Abbott presented the new laws and their potential impact on street racing crime in Texas. The growing problem of illegal street racing has raised concerns about public safety, prompting the need for new tools to address the issue effectively.
House Bill 1442 will equip law enforcement and prosecutors with the authority to pursue organized street racing and takeovers and impose harsher penalties on those involved in such activities. This legislative measure seeks to deter potential offenders by making the consequences more severe.
Furthermore, House Bill 2899 grants authorities the power to impound vehicles used in street racing or reckless driving exhibitions immediately upon charging individuals with either crime. Previously, vehicles could only be impounded if there was property damage or bodily injury, leaving a gap in the law that was exploited by street racers.
Governor Abbott minced no words in his determination to address the problem. He stated, "If you're doing donuts, we intend to arrest you and put you behind bars where you can be for years." This strong stance sends a clear message that illegal street racing will not be tolerated, and those engaging in such activities will face severe consequences.
The practice of street takeovers, where large gatherings of people watch as others perform dangerous maneuvers like donuts by blocking off streets and parking lots, has been a persistent issue in Texas. Just a month before the new laws were enacted, Fort Worth police had to intervene and break up a street takeover that resulted in the arrest of five individuals. These events often attract other crimes, making them even more dangerous for public safety.
During the ceremony, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker emphasized that street racing and takeovers are not victimless crimes. She referenced a tragic incident in Fort Worth where a young couple with three children lost their lives due to these dangerous activities. Such incidents are becoming too common across the country, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue at a legislative level.
With the enactment of these new laws, Texas hopes to curtail the dangerous trend of illegal street racing and street takeovers, making the state's roads safer for all citizens. Law enforcement now has more tools at their disposal to hold offenders accountable and protect communities from the hazards associated with illegal street racing.
