"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Street racing isn't just a thrill in the moment -- it's a deadly form of lawbreaking.
People die. Sometimes even those who are innocent, as we recently witnessed.
The video of this early April wreck in southwest Mecklenburg County makes us sick.
What a senseless way for three people to die.
Street racing is unpredictable and cannot be tolerated. Let us say that again --
It cannot be tolerated. This ain't American Graffiti or "Happy Days" -- the three innocent victims prove that.
Keep in mind, it's also a hard crime to police. Officers can't anticipate speed racing --
They can only respond after the fact. That's why we need stronger deterrents.
The outcry for stiffer penalties should be deafening. Hit those caught street racing where it hurts most to them -- Take away their licenses. Confiscate cars. Take away the privilege of driving.
And be rest assured, driving is a privilege. Not a right. Any street racer is a potential killer and we should treat him as such.
As we've just seen, the line between potential killer and actual killer is razor thin. Parents, implore your children not to race. Use this recent crash as a lesson.
Doesn't matter whether you're the best driver in the world -- speed kills. We say "zero tolerance" and stiffer penalties. Come down hard...REAL HARD!
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" - tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
