(DEPEW, NY) In response to two deadly accidents caused by suspected drag racing in New York State in just one day, Senator Dale M. Volker (R-C-I, Depew) has introduced legislation to increase penalties for illegal drag racing.
A Lancaster man and a woman from Cheektowaga were killed when their car crashed into a utility pole on Transit Road in Lancaster. Police suspect they were involved in a drag race at the time of the accident. Witnesses told authorities they saw that car racing another vehicle prior to the crash. The victims’ car cross four lanes on Transit, south of William, and split in two after hitting a utility pole.
Also 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.
"These tragic deaths are only the latest illustration that street racing that puts peoples lives in danger," Senator Volker said. "Innocent people are being killed at the hands of thrill-seeking drivers. My bill would increase penalties to deter these reckless individuals from putting peoples’ lives in jeopardy."
The bill (S.8020) would increase the penalties for street racing from a misdemeanor offense to a felony for repeat offenders.
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