Illegal street racing has been growing a problem in the G.T.A
01-26-2006 | 01:43 PM
#1
Illegal street racing has been growing a problem in the G.T.A
They mostly come out when you’re asleep.
Under cover of darkness, they hit the road and then the accelerator, driving their way towards higher and higher speeds.
Illegal street racing has been growing a problem in the G.T.A. for years, with police from all across the region launching initiatives over the years to stop it.
But cops can’t be everywhere and drag racers often know where they’re not going to be, picking those places to gather.
The tragic death of a Toronto taxi driver on Tuesday night has reinforced that the need for speed can be a killer.
“In the summertime, it’s a bigger problem in that there are designated areas that these guys make themselves that they show up at and they try pull off actual races,” Traffic Services Det. Paul Lobsinger tells Pulse24.com.
Unfortunately, Toronto is listed as one of the biggest areas for the races. It's estimated there are 20,000 street racers in Southern Ontario. Since 1999, 30 people have died because of the illegal sport.
And police allege the practice also leads to property damage, weapons offences, and alcohol abuse.
But the numbers don't tell the real story. Lobsinger notes for every one who gets caught, there are more who escape undetected.
Recent studies have shown a large number of the offenders are those with the least experience – drivers with just a G1 or a G2 licence. In some cases, speeds reach between 130-140 kilometres an hour.
Where does it happen? On city streets and on highways.
“Motorcycles like the Don Valley Parkway in the middle of the night in the summer, the 404 – there’s different areas and they move around as we make adjustments to try and catch them,” Lobsinger outlines.
In many cases, the culprits aren’t part of any organized groups – just young males who come together and decide to challenge each other in a foolish game of chicken.
So what’s the point of it all? For some, it’s the simple desire to compete. Others want to show off their souped-up vehicles. And a few do it for money.
A street race in Vancouver involved money being put into a hat and the loot delivered to a secret location. The drivers in the “contest” were then phoned and told where the bounty was – and whoever got there first won the prize.
It’s a recipe for disaster that cops have seen far too often. And it’s not just speed that’s the problem.
Other techniques for the hot shots include using other drivers in other vehicles to block off intersections to keep cops from reaching the scene; darting in and out of traffic to see who can reach a destination first; or speeding around corners to see how their tires handle the curves.
Officials don’t have any firm figures on how wide the problem really is, but cops believe many serious or fatal accidents involving speed could have street racing as a primary cause.
In addition to the dangers to the drivers involved, police say the practice also creates hazards in other areas:
* It puts pedestrians and other motorists in jeopardy
* It adds to noise pollution
* It encourages vandalism
* It can harm local businesses if cars are tying up the street
* It creates extra burdens on already crumbling roads and streets.
Those who are devoted to the practice contend the police and the press have it all wrong.
They have maintained for years that allowing them to build a de facto drag racing strip close to the city would allow those with the need for speed to indulge their habits without putting anyone in danger.
Proponents note that solution has worked in other North American cities. But so far neither the funds nor the permission has ever been forthcoming from any city in the G.T.A.
And Lobsinger doesn’t think it will make any difference.
“I know a lot of people who complain that they don’t get to go on a holiday,” he notes. “Should we build them a Princess Cruise Line down in the harbour and let them go on it down there, too?
“How about getting a job and earning a living and if that’s what you want to do as a living, go and be a racer. But don’t do it on our city streets!”
Cops believe part of the thrill is the danger of getting caught. And they think illegal street racers would quickly tire of any area designated especially for their use.
Lobsinger maintains the answer is education and tougher penalties, pointing out Toronto’s summer of the gun has nothing on the hundreds of fatal accidents that plague the city’s streets every year.
But he complains no one seems quite as upset about that.
January 25, 2006
Under cover of darkness, they hit the road and then the accelerator, driving their way towards higher and higher speeds.
Illegal street racing has been growing a problem in the G.T.A. for years, with police from all across the region launching initiatives over the years to stop it.
But cops can’t be everywhere and drag racers often know where they’re not going to be, picking those places to gather.
The tragic death of a Toronto taxi driver on Tuesday night has reinforced that the need for speed can be a killer.
“In the summertime, it’s a bigger problem in that there are designated areas that these guys make themselves that they show up at and they try pull off actual races,” Traffic Services Det. Paul Lobsinger tells Pulse24.com.
Unfortunately, Toronto is listed as one of the biggest areas for the races. It's estimated there are 20,000 street racers in Southern Ontario. Since 1999, 30 people have died because of the illegal sport.
And police allege the practice also leads to property damage, weapons offences, and alcohol abuse.
But the numbers don't tell the real story. Lobsinger notes for every one who gets caught, there are more who escape undetected.
Recent studies have shown a large number of the offenders are those with the least experience – drivers with just a G1 or a G2 licence. In some cases, speeds reach between 130-140 kilometres an hour.
Where does it happen? On city streets and on highways.
“Motorcycles like the Don Valley Parkway in the middle of the night in the summer, the 404 – there’s different areas and they move around as we make adjustments to try and catch them,” Lobsinger outlines.
In many cases, the culprits aren’t part of any organized groups – just young males who come together and decide to challenge each other in a foolish game of chicken.
So what’s the point of it all? For some, it’s the simple desire to compete. Others want to show off their souped-up vehicles. And a few do it for money.
A street race in Vancouver involved money being put into a hat and the loot delivered to a secret location. The drivers in the “contest” were then phoned and told where the bounty was – and whoever got there first won the prize.
It’s a recipe for disaster that cops have seen far too often. And it’s not just speed that’s the problem.
Other techniques for the hot shots include using other drivers in other vehicles to block off intersections to keep cops from reaching the scene; darting in and out of traffic to see who can reach a destination first; or speeding around corners to see how their tires handle the curves.
Officials don’t have any firm figures on how wide the problem really is, but cops believe many serious or fatal accidents involving speed could have street racing as a primary cause.
In addition to the dangers to the drivers involved, police say the practice also creates hazards in other areas:
* It puts pedestrians and other motorists in jeopardy
* It adds to noise pollution
* It encourages vandalism
* It can harm local businesses if cars are tying up the street
* It creates extra burdens on already crumbling roads and streets.
Those who are devoted to the practice contend the police and the press have it all wrong.
They have maintained for years that allowing them to build a de facto drag racing strip close to the city would allow those with the need for speed to indulge their habits without putting anyone in danger.
Proponents note that solution has worked in other North American cities. But so far neither the funds nor the permission has ever been forthcoming from any city in the G.T.A.
And Lobsinger doesn’t think it will make any difference.
“I know a lot of people who complain that they don’t get to go on a holiday,” he notes. “Should we build them a Princess Cruise Line down in the harbour and let them go on it down there, too?
“How about getting a job and earning a living and if that’s what you want to do as a living, go and be a racer. But don’t do it on our city streets!”
Cops believe part of the thrill is the danger of getting caught. And they think illegal street racers would quickly tire of any area designated especially for their use.
Lobsinger maintains the answer is education and tougher penalties, pointing out Toronto’s summer of the gun has nothing on the hundreds of fatal accidents that plague the city’s streets every year.
But he complains no one seems quite as upset about that.
January 25, 2006
01-26-2006 | 04:29 PM
#2
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“How about getting a job and earning a living and if that’s what you want to do as a living, go and be a racer. But don’t do it on our city streets!”
01-26-2006 | 04:57 PM
#3
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That was possibly the single worst article I have ever read. Completely biased, uneducated, and very cliche, and I dont even street race.
01-26-2006 | 05:01 PM
#4
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i'm tired of these kids so called "racing" with their parents vehicles...
01-26-2006 | 05:40 PM
#5
Street racing is TO biggest problem? you're probably safer at HK, than you are going to a club in downtown TO.
We see this after every accident, and they'll crack down on us until there's another little white girl shot. It's BS, and it'll always be there.
Yet they blame TSR. They call our advertisers, and threaten them, they try to shut down the site. Why? Did TSR start racing? NO. Some caveman rolling a rock down a hill, with his buddy tryin to roll another rock faster down the same hill started it. Did TSR start street racing? NO. Henry Ford started street racing when he built the second Model A.
If they don't want street racing, built a goddam track where we can go during the week. Get rid of the Maple Leafs, and build a drag strip there. It's not like the Raptors or the Leafs are ever going to win a championship anyway. The closest track is over an hour away, and then they set up road blocks, and do safeties and other crap, so that we can't go to the track. Well if you don't want us to street race, and you don't want us to go to the track, WTF do you want?
For some of us, CSCS isn't enough. We need to let off some steam, and so races start. Now, there are areas that are smarter than others, and racing down a main street at 140km/h, in your parents Mercedes, is not smart. I know there are a few police on this site, and I welcome them to respond to this thread.
Anyway, there's my rant about this.
We see this after every accident, and they'll crack down on us until there's another little white girl shot. It's BS, and it'll always be there.
Yet they blame TSR. They call our advertisers, and threaten them, they try to shut down the site. Why? Did TSR start racing? NO. Some caveman rolling a rock down a hill, with his buddy tryin to roll another rock faster down the same hill started it. Did TSR start street racing? NO. Henry Ford started street racing when he built the second Model A.
If they don't want street racing, built a goddam track where we can go during the week. Get rid of the Maple Leafs, and build a drag strip there. It's not like the Raptors or the Leafs are ever going to win a championship anyway. The closest track is over an hour away, and then they set up road blocks, and do safeties and other crap, so that we can't go to the track. Well if you don't want us to street race, and you don't want us to go to the track, WTF do you want?
For some of us, CSCS isn't enough. We need to let off some steam, and so races start. Now, there are areas that are smarter than others, and racing down a main street at 140km/h, in your parents Mercedes, is not smart. I know there are a few police on this site, and I welcome them to respond to this thread.
Anyway, there's my rant about this.
01-26-2006 | 05:41 PM
#6
Originally Posted by BBProductions
i'm tired of these kids so called "racing" with their parents vehicles...
01-26-2006 | 05:43 PM
#7
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whhoooooosssssahhhhhhh... lmao
01-26-2006 | 06:25 PM
#8
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That's the worst article I've ever seen. But hey, if it shifts the focus from Toronto's gun problem, then I guess it works out for the cops in the end. Busting kids in modified cars sure is a lot easier then doing actual work and going after actual criminals.
01-26-2006 | 08:11 PM
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Alllllrighty then. This article seems like they interveiwed Vin Desile to get the real scoop of what happens in street racing.
ers, want to make our streets safer? get the drug dealers, get the drunk driver, get that punk shooting up random people. 50 cent causes more trouble every time he comes into town that "street racers" do.
"
1 It puts pedestrians and other motorists in jeopardy
2 It adds to noise pollution
3 It encourages vandalism
4 It can harm local businesses if cars are tying up the street
5 It creates extra burdens on already crumbling roads and streets."
Okay. For number one, it is only applicable to "cool" kid in their dads g35s on public roads during rush hour after the high school bell rings. Smarter, more considerate people who have a caring heart for the public do not book it at 140 down Dundas. Yesterday me and my friend were getting a coffee from the imfamous timmies. On our way back, two cars, a Neon (two passengers) and a Chevy van (two passengers) started revving on either side of us. Green light. they booked it. Now we are in a modded civic, Who do you think the cherries are gonna light up on?
For number two I can agree. But for s sake stop giving us tickets for it while ur standing next to a Ferrari 360 which has a louder ideling tone than a straight piped civic at 1500 rpm and tell us that our exhaust is too loud.
Number three. I just don't see how vandalisim relates to street racing at all. Never heard or seen a case of this in my life. Unless somones GF got pissed at their bf and shat all over his ITR.
Number four. Well unless racers are blocking off roads in broad day light, I don't see how it can be hurting bussiness since A. Races usually occur later on in the night when there is no-one around and less threatening. and B. The fact that stores are usually closed by then.
Number five. I'm not well educated on the fundamentals of Tarmac. but the 401 gets shat on more than the back roads that only carry transport trucks during the day.
“I know a lot of people who complain that they don’t get to go on a holiday,” he notes. “Should we build them a Princess Cruise Line down in the harbour and let them go on it down there, too?"
Who ever said this needs to have tobasco dropped slowly into his ing eye. Cause its clear he doesn't use em anyways. People are granted vacation in most professions, its is their choice weather they take them or not. I mean I'm 18 and work at OPG during summer, and for s sake. I EVEN get days were I am told to take off and do something. Build a track, it will be more benificial to you.
For fakk seekk. Tell the cops to take on a more pressing issue. I wouldn't be surprised if they got bored of racers and started taking on Skate boarders and stating is a crime. Lazy *** pickle munchers, they get trained to be the "finest" yet they have nothing near as credible to their name IMO.
My rant is done. Even though I race seldomly, I don't like the idea they put forth of people who do this
ers, want to make our streets safer? get the drug dealers, get the drunk driver, get that punk shooting up random people. 50 cent causes more trouble every time he comes into town that "street racers" do.
"
1 It puts pedestrians and other motorists in jeopardy
2 It adds to noise pollution
3 It encourages vandalism
4 It can harm local businesses if cars are tying up the street
5 It creates extra burdens on already crumbling roads and streets."
Okay. For number one, it is only applicable to "cool" kid in their dads g35s on public roads during rush hour after the high school bell rings. Smarter, more considerate people who have a caring heart for the public do not book it at 140 down Dundas. Yesterday me and my friend were getting a coffee from the imfamous timmies. On our way back, two cars, a Neon (two passengers) and a Chevy van (two passengers) started revving on either side of us. Green light. they booked it. Now we are in a modded civic, Who do you think the cherries are gonna light up on?
For number two I can agree. But for s sake stop giving us tickets for it while ur standing next to a Ferrari 360 which has a louder ideling tone than a straight piped civic at 1500 rpm and tell us that our exhaust is too loud.
Number three. I just don't see how vandalisim relates to street racing at all. Never heard or seen a case of this in my life. Unless somones GF got pissed at their bf and shat all over his ITR.
Number four. Well unless racers are blocking off roads in broad day light, I don't see how it can be hurting bussiness since A. Races usually occur later on in the night when there is no-one around and less threatening. and B. The fact that stores are usually closed by then.
Number five. I'm not well educated on the fundamentals of Tarmac. but the 401 gets shat on more than the back roads that only carry transport trucks during the day.
“I know a lot of people who complain that they don’t get to go on a holiday,” he notes. “Should we build them a Princess Cruise Line down in the harbour and let them go on it down there, too?"
Who ever said this needs to have tobasco dropped slowly into his ing eye. Cause its clear he doesn't use em anyways. People are granted vacation in most professions, its is their choice weather they take them or not. I mean I'm 18 and work at OPG during summer, and for s sake. I EVEN get days were I am told to take off and do something. Build a track, it will be more benificial to you.
For fakk seekk. Tell the cops to take on a more pressing issue. I wouldn't be surprised if they got bored of racers and started taking on Skate boarders and stating is a crime. Lazy *** pickle munchers, they get trained to be the "finest" yet they have nothing near as credible to their name IMO.
My rant is done. Even though I race seldomly, I don't like the idea they put forth of people who do this
01-26-2006 | 08:41 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by B6T
That's the worst article I've ever seen. But hey, if it shifts the focus from Toronto's gun problem, then I guess it works out for the cops in the end. Busting kids in modified cars sure is a lot easier then doing actual work and going after actual criminals.
01-26-2006 | 08:46 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by BBProductions
no actualy i didn't... was not offered a parents car, bought my own...
aye on't geh it
01-26-2006 | 09:18 PM
#12
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Crack can be a nasty drug.
01-26-2006 | 11:36 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by BBProductions
no actualy i didn't... was not offered a parents car, bought my own...
01-27-2006 | 03:51 AM
#14
Originally Posted by B6T
Yeah what the hell are you talking about? I think you clicked the wrong "quote" icon there buddy. You're response had no relevence to my original post.
01-27-2006 | 02:17 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by rabbitman
Street racing is TO biggest problem? you're probably safer at HK, than you are going to a club in downtown TO.
We see this after every accident, and they'll crack down on us until there's another little white girl shot. It's BS, and it'll always be there.
Yet they blame TSR. They call our advertisers, and threaten them, they try to shut down the site. Why? Did TSR start racing? NO. Some caveman rolling a rock down a hill, with his buddy tryin to roll another rock faster down the same hill started it. Did TSR start street racing? NO. Henry Ford started street racing when he built the second Model A.
If they don't want street racing, built a goddam track where we can go during the week. Get rid of the Maple Leafs, and build a drag strip there. It's not like the Raptors or the Leafs are ever going to win a championship anyway. The closest track is over an hour away, and then they set up road blocks, and do safeties and other crap, so that we can't go to the track. Well if you don't want us to street race, and you don't want us to go to the track, WTF do you want?
For some of us, CSCS isn't enough. We need to let off some steam, and so races start. Now, there are areas that are smarter than others, and racing down a main street at 140km/h, in your parents Mercedes, is not smart. I know there are a few police on this site, and I welcome them to respond to this thread.
Anyway, there's my rant about this.
We see this after every accident, and they'll crack down on us until there's another little white girl shot. It's BS, and it'll always be there.
Yet they blame TSR. They call our advertisers, and threaten them, they try to shut down the site. Why? Did TSR start racing? NO. Some caveman rolling a rock down a hill, with his buddy tryin to roll another rock faster down the same hill started it. Did TSR start street racing? NO. Henry Ford started street racing when he built the second Model A.
If they don't want street racing, built a goddam track where we can go during the week. Get rid of the Maple Leafs, and build a drag strip there. It's not like the Raptors or the Leafs are ever going to win a championship anyway. The closest track is over an hour away, and then they set up road blocks, and do safeties and other crap, so that we can't go to the track. Well if you don't want us to street race, and you don't want us to go to the track, WTF do you want?
For some of us, CSCS isn't enough. We need to let off some steam, and so races start. Now, there are areas that are smarter than others, and racing down a main street at 140km/h, in your parents Mercedes, is not smart. I know there are a few police on this site, and I welcome them to respond to this thread.
Anyway, there's my rant about this.
Im with you on that rabbit man they do need to make a track instead of saying and trying to stopping us from modding and enjoying it. Yeah I like to go fast but you dont have to endangor other peoples life. They do need to make a track to support us and help to keep it off the streets