In response to two deadly accidents caused by suspected drag racing in New York State in just one day, Senator Serphin R. Maltese (Queens) joined members of the New York State Senate Task Force on Critical Choices to introduce legislation to increase penalties for illegal drag racing.
Yesterday, five-year-old Jordan McLean of Queens was thrown from his aunt’s SUV and killed after their vehicle was struck by suspected drag racers. Jordan and his aunt, Claris Edwards, were driving on 109th Avenue in Queens -- a drag racing hot spot -- when they were faced with two cars head on. After colliding with one car, the other drove off and did not return, while the passengers of the car that hit them fled the scene and have not been located by police.
Also yesterday, a young man and woman were killed when their car crashed into a utility pole in a suburb of Buffalo. Police suspect they were involved in a drag race at the time of the accident.
The bill (S.8020) would increase the penalties for street racing from a misdemeanor offense to a felony for repeat offenders.
"This is an absolutely horrible - and completely preventable - tragedy," said Senator Serphin R. Maltese, a tough former prosecutor and Deputy Chief of the Homicide Bureau. "These daredevils jeopardize the lives of innocent people every time they get behind the wheel and race on our public streets. It is unconscionable and they should be held accountable."
"Anytime you drive at high rates of speed it is dangerous and can result in serious injuries or deaths, but street racing is even worse because there is an competitive factor that causes these drivers to take even more risks," said Senator Maltese. "Many drivers, passengers, spectators and innocent bystanders have been killed and this is only the latest illustration of the dangers of street racing. It is time we treat this like the crime it is and not just give these drivers a slap on the wrist."
####
|