“Take Action and Keep Others from Driving Dangerously”

March 19^th, 2021

The Honorable Laura Friedman

Chair, Assembly Transportation Committee
1020 N Street Room 112
Sacramento, California 95814

Dear Assembly Member Friedman:

I am writing you on behalf of We Save Lives to urge your support of AB3 (Fong) This bill would curb dangerous street racing activity and match the penalties for exhibition of speed, or participating in sideshows, with illegal street racing.

California has seen a sharp rise in risky driving and illegal street racing as street racers take advantage of highways, parking lots, and roads emptied by the Governor’s stay at home orders. Illegal street racing is not only dangerous, but it often has fatal consequences for participants, pedestrians, commuters, and law enforcement alike.

A “motor vehicle speed contest” includes engaging in a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing devices. However, many illegal street races stem from “motor vehicle exhibition of speed,” which includes burning out tires, revving engines, circling, and other activity intended for an audience or “sideshow” that ultimately leads to a speed contest.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), most fatal crashes are directly linked to this type of risky driving. While “motor vehicle exhibition of speed” is prohibited, violations do not result in the same penalties as those engaging in a speed contest. AB 3 matches the penalties for the two dangerous activities and will allow intervention before a fatal or devastating crash occurs.

On October 1st, 2020, the California Highway Patrol launched the Communities Against Racing and Side Shows campaign. This campaign will focus on statewide public awareness campaigns on speed-related crashes and focused enforcement. As illegal street racing becomes a more prevalent problem statewide, the NHTSA has reported that this dangerous activity is often associated with other risky behavior including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and driving without a seatbelt.

AB 3 provides law enforcement an additional tool to deter individuals from engaging in all forms and activities related to illegal street racing. Please support AB3.

Sincerely,

Candace Lightner, President

We Save Lives

Founder,  Mothers Against Drunk Driving

cc: Assemblyman Vince Fong, Vice Chair and Author

Members, Assembly Transportation Committee

Source: https://news.yahoo.com/innocent-motorist-killed-suspected-street-030528166.html