Heard that super loud revving engine sound on your street? Perhaps you have seen the tire tracks left by someone doing a figure eight in your cul-de-sac? Well, what we used to call drag racing is now called exhibition driving, and Alabama’s mayors say they have had enough of it. They want Montgomery to act, and it looks like it will.
Two new bills are before the Alabama legislature that, on the low end, would impound your car and, on the high end, send you to jail.
I deal daily with injured people who are hurt while driving cars. So let me tell you that this is a real problem.
Some examples from our state:
- 9 people were injured when 2 cars doing donuts collided.
- An Alabama woman was killed, and 4 others were injured when a car doing a burnout collided with a car in a parking lot.
- A 14-year-old boy was killed when he was hit while watching the goings on.
The real confusion is what to do about it.
Many of those participating in this dangerous activity are teenagers or young adults. If there is no injury, should they really be sent to jail?
One Birmingham politician is proposing impounding the cars. She thinks that will get their attention. But another state politician is looking at requiring a big fine and jail time. The first offense would be a whopping 3 months in jail.
We may have laughed when Fonzie of Happy Days challenged someone to a race. But with deaths and injuries in 2023, it is not so funny.
If you are hurt in a traffic accident or suffer any other personal injury, you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie (251) 666-1212 for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.
Also, join us for NBC 15 LawCall, our legal call-in TV show, here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We will take your calls live.
Alabama personal injury lawyer