Getting Arrested for Illegal Street Racing Is a Drag… So Why Are So Many Michiganders Doing It?

Let’s start out by saying that, as fellow citizens of the Motor City, we understand the “need for speed” and the adrenaline rush that comes with pushing a car hard through a turn, tires squealing for traction as they grip the asphalt. We get it when you simply have to gun the accelerator on that powerful muscle car you’ve been holding back. We even empathize when you’re tempted to floor it by the snarky guy who’s revving his motor beside you at a stoplight.

Yet, despite our sympathy for folks who face those tempting situations, we can’t ever condone illegal drag racing, street racing, or “drifting” on Michigan roads. It’s just too dangerous. Innocent people get hurt and sometimes killed. Property gets damaged. Not to mention that it’s completely against the law.

What Can Happen When a “Dream Cruise” Turns into a Nightmare?

 
Woodward Avenue (noted for being the world’s first road paved with concrete and for having the world’s first lighted traffic signal) is the annual site of the world-famous “Dream Cruise” which occurs every August. Unfortunately, Woodward has also become a major attraction for drag racers who constantly put themselves, other drivers, and even nearby residents (including this Royal Oak woman and her children) at risk with their irresponsible behavior. And sadly, illegal street racing isn’t limited merely to this particular, historic Michigan motorway. It appears that incidents and accidents involving reckless racers are on the rise almost everywhere across the state. Consider just a few examples:

In Grand Rapids, this drag racing scene caught on terrifying video resulted in a woman in a nearby vehicle being seriously injured when one of the racing cars hit another vehicle and then careened into her parked car.

In Lansing, racers are accused of literally stopping other traffic so that they can do donuts on some of the city’s main thoroughfares. In 2021, there were numerous deaths in the capital city caused by reckless driving, a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down this year, with numerous accidents like this one reported.

In Detroit, a veteran police officer was injured trying to stop a car that was driving recklessly in Corktown, while another officer barely missed being hit by a bullet when racers fired eight shots at his patrol car as he attempted to pull the suspect vehicle over.

Also in Detroit, a 10-year-old passenger died in a crash when the 16-year-old driver – who was said to be “drifting” (purposefully attempting to maintain control of a vehicle while its rear wheels spin sideways) – lost control of his car, which then hit a tree and burst into flames.

In Pontiac, two men who were drag racing ran into a third car (a Dodge Challenger) that was coincidentally doing donuts in an intersection. The racing drivers were both seriously injured and the driver of the Challenger (which was subsequently found to be a car that had been reported stolen in Toledo) later died from his injuries.

As you’ve probably gathered by now, reckless driving – racing, doing donuts, drifting, or simply joyriding – has become a statewide epidemic. And unfortunately, the legal penalties currently on the books don’t seem to be adequate to discourage this kind of dangerous behavior.

What Michigan State Law Says About Reckless Driving…

 
There are a couple of ways the state looks at people convicted of reckless driving in Michigan. Let’s say you’re arrested for drag racing but that (luckily for you) no one has been hurt by your unlawful actions. In that case, you’ll face misdemeanor penalties of up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. If someone is injured or killed, however, things start to get much more serious. Causing injuries to another person will result in felony charges with a “five-by-five” penalty – meaning up to five years in prison, and up to $5,000 in fines, or both. If you kill someone while drag racing, drifting, or speeding excessively (among other reckless driving offenses), the felony charge gets even more felonious: you’ll face possible penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, or both. However, depending on the specific facts of your case including, but not limited to, prior criminal/driving record, additional reckless actions, etc., the penalties could be even more severe. But even those consequences don’t seem to be discouraging motorists from driving out of control on many roads across the state. So, as a law firm that sees many innocent people injured by negligent, law-breaking drivers, we find this particularly troubling.

Can Someone File a Personal Injury Lawsuit if They’re Injured While Illegally Racing?

 
In almost every case, the answer will be no. You’ll be out of luck … and, as we’ve just explained, possibly spending some time behind bars. Not only that, but Michigan uses the concept of “comparative negligence” when determining whether someone can collect damages in a personal injury lawsuit. If you’re racing and get hurt, it will more likely than not be found that you contributed 51 percent (or more) to the incident that caused your injuries. And, as we explained in a previous article, that means state law will entirely prohibit you from collecting damages. Additionally, because your injuries were caused by your own reckless/intentional actions you may not even be able to receive PIP coverage from your own insurer.

However, there are certain situations where you may still be able to recover, at least in part, for your injuries. Every case is fact specific, so there is no harm in calling a a skilled accident attorney to see if you still have a case.

How Can Law-Abiding Drivers Stay Safe Amidst This Crisis?

 
Perhaps the best way to avoid becoming involved in these types of dangerous situations is to avoid areas where large numbers of irresponsible drivers tend to congregate. As recent news articles indicate, Woodward Avenue through Detroit, Ferndale and Royal Oak all the way up to Pontiac seems to attract drivers looking for drag racing opponents, as do parts of Telegraph Road. (By the way, Woodward also plays host to legal drag racing during Motor Trend Magazine’s Roadkill Nights, which just occurred on August 12^th in Pontiac). Lansing police have reported numerous incidents along South Cedar and Edgewood Boulevard in the city. Downtown Grand Rapids has also become something of a drag racing hot spot. Of course, since bad drivers can turn up just about anywhere, we always suggest you drive defensively, wear your seatbelt, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel wherever and whenever you happen to be traveling. Remember, too, that the state recently enacted new legislation prohibiting hand-held cell phone use while driving. Please do your part to keep everyone safe by obeying this common-sense law.

Can You Sue if You’re an Injured by a Reckless Driver’s Actions?

 
Yes, you absolutely can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver whose bad actions caused your injuries. Our best advice in that unfortunate circumstance is to get on the phone immediately and dial 855-MIKE-WINS (855-645-3946)! We have a trusted team of personal injury attorneys who are ready, willing, and able to help you seek financial retribution for the pain and suffering caused by the irresponsible actions of people who just can’t seem to control themselves on the highways. Get us on your side by calling today.

Content checked by Mike Morse, personal injury attorney with Mike Morse Injury Law Firm. Mike Morse is the founder of Mike Morse Law Firm, the largest personal injury law firm in Michigan. Since being founded in 1995, Mike Morse Law Firm has grown to 150 employees, served 25,000 clients, and collected more than $1 billion for victims of auto, truck and motorcycle accidents. The main office is in Southfield, MI but you can also find us in Detroit, Sterling Heights and many other locations.