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It is likely difficult for most people to comprehend the magnitude of a very dangerous problem in the Salt lake area. On a recent Saturday night, police reported between 800 and 900 street racers in the vicinity of 5600 West and Amelia Earhart Drive.
These are people who flagrantly defy the law and ignore common sense to race their vehicles at death-defying speeds through city streets.
Remember a couple of years back when an Eyewitness News report showed a racer doing 130 mph on 7th East! In the wake of that report, the Utah Legislature strengthened the law against street racing. Officers can impound racers' cars on the spot. Impound fees are higher. Driver licenses can be suspended for up to 90 days.
Now the problem appears to be sheer numbers. Too many racers, too few cops!
In KSL's view, it is a problem that continues to demand action. A major strategic crackdown is in order with enough officers committed to the scene of such large gatherings to send a strong message. At the same time, the legislature should consider adding even stronger deterrents in the form of stiffer fines.
Such brazen and widespread defiance of a law designed to protect the innocent must not be tolerated.
