Street racing is one of the most dangerous activities on the roads. Recently, a street racing wreck in Georgia claimed the life of a young passenger, according to police.
The New York Daily News noted an 18-year-old driver who only had a learner’s permit was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide when a teen passenger was killed in a street racing wreck.
The report stated Brandon Eduardo Sanchez was allegedly racing 17-year-old Kevin Padilla Alvarez in Gainesville in Georgia last November when he lost control of his car and crashed into a tree, according to the authorities.
Jesus Martinez Mondragon was a 17-year-old passenger in Sanchez’s vehicle. Emergency workers pronounced him dead at the accident scene. Sanchez was hospitalized and released, while Alvarez was uninjured.
The Daily News reported that Sanchez only had a learner’s permit when he crashed his car. He was hit with numerous charges, including first-degree vehicular homicide, racing, reckless driving, and striking a fixed object.
Street racing wreck claimed teen life, say police
Gainesville police also charged Alvarez with being a party to first-degree vehicular homicide. More charges were being considered.
Under Georgia law code O.C.G.A 40-6-186, the crime of racing is defined as the “use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.”
It is a crime drive a vehicle in any race, or contest, drag race, speed competition, or acceleration contest, a test of physical endurance, an exhibition of speed or acceleration, or to seek a speed record.
You don’t need to cause a street racing wreck to be guilty of a crime. The possible sanctions for street racing in Georgia include:
- Jail time;
- Fines of up to $1,000;
- The suspension of your license if the charge leads you to reach 15 points;
- License suspension for 6 months for a driver under 21;
- A court-ordered suspension of your license if the court decides it’s necessary.
Our thoughts are with the families of young people who die in racing crashes. Passengers have rights. If you lose a loved one, you may have grounds to file a Georgia wrongful death claim. Please call our wrongful death attorneys today at (414) 913-1529.