Illegal drag races on city and town roads are quite common in South Carolina. Unfortunately, street racing can be dangerous, resulting in serious and fatal injuries, as well as significant property damage.
Many drivers participating in these street races are young people—including teenagers—who do not have years of driving experience. The crowds during these races consist of tens or hundreds of people. If a driver loses control of his/her vehicle, the spectators near the road are in substantial danger. Sometimes, an out-of-control vehicle may strike an innocent driver or pedestrian who had no knowledge of the illegal race.
In comparison to the professional sport of drag racing, these professional drivers at drag races wear protective gear and drive their vehicles at high speeds on a racetrack far away from spectators to keep themselves and others safe. Without such safety measures, drag racing is very dangerous.
Additionally, drag racing does not have to only involve a large gathering and several drivers. You can be charged with this traffic offense for overtaking or attempting to overtake one other vehicle on a public road. Even rapid acceleration or taking off when the green light appears can be considered racing.
In South Carolina, drag or street racing is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by imprisonment for up to six months and/or a maximum fine of $600, as well as driver’s license suspension for one year. If a vehicle owner allows someone else to borrow their vehicle to use in a street race, or if they allow a street race to be held on their property, they may also face jail time and fines.
If you have been arrested or cited for a traffic offense in Lexington or Columbia, call the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC at (803) 359-3301 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free initial consultation. Protecting the rights and freedoms of our clients since 2004!