MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Here is something all members of the Tennessee legislature should be able to support – regardless of political party: an even stronger crackdown on people involved in reckless driving and drag racing on our roadways.
At the moment, police and prosecutors are hamstrung when trying to pursue serious charges against these fast and furious drivers. Most of the cases are usually reduced down to nothing or even dismissed altogether. Plus, without witnesses, authorities often are unable to bring any charges because police policy forbids chasing speeding motorists on streets and interstates, and the driver cannot be determined.
So what’s the answer? Stronger state laws that would allow police to seize cars used in drag racing when an arrest is made – rather than waiting for a conviction. Some may say that is extreme. I don’t.
Drag racing and reckless driving have been a problem in Memphis and Shelby County for years and are only getting worse, not better. And it’s not just here. Dangerous street racing is a national problem that has been glamorized in movies such as the numerous Fast and Furious films.
But this is not Hollywood. This is real life. And drag racing can and does have dangerous real-life consequences.
So, how about we see a little cohesiveness and bipartisanship in the legislature for a change. Let’s pass tougher laws against street racing. Our lives very well may depend on it.