Street Racers Beware, Area Police Looking For You–Growing Problem
Wednesday evening Kennewick Police said they stopped and cited four drivers on Clearwater for street racing, and the problem is growing.
More and more drivers are being popped for blowing up speed limits
Kennewick Police released information that more and more drivers are being cited for street racing. This in the wake of the serious injury crash at Gage and Steptoe, makes driving safety even more difficult for the rest of us.
NOT saying that crash was the result of racing, but Tri-City streets are already congested enough without some drivers whizzing 20-30 even 50 miles per hour over the limit and endangering other motorists.
KPD issued reminders to the public, including what Washington law says (RCW). It read in part:
"RCW 46.61.530 Racing of vehicles on highways: No person or persons may race any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon any public highway of this state. Any person or persons who wilfully compare or contest relative speeds by operation of one or more motor vehicles shall be guilty of racing, which shall constitute reckless driving under RCW 46.61.500..."
Somebody popped for street racing can find themselves facing up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $5K.
We've seen a number of serious crashes on I-182, which some drivers think is a miles-long drag strip between CBC and the Columbia River. But now, as the weather warms, any long straight stretch of road seems to be inviting.
Franklin County and Pasco PD officials say they're having issues with racers north of town as well.