Death Race 2007 - Stunts must stop
Author: MotorTorque Team
Published: 10 December 2007
An illegal street racing culture is being promoted on many internet sites and will lead to escalating numbers of deaths if not stopped, according to the Royal Automobile Club Foundation.
The extent of the problem will be revealed in ‘Tonight With Trevor McDonald’ to be shown on ITV at 10pm on Tuesday 11 December and features comment from the Foundation’s director, Edmund King. The investigation reveals a growing trend amongst young drivers and motorcyclists to film themselves racing, speeding and driving dangerously on the public highway.
Incidents include:
YouTube, one of the most popular video-hosting sites, states in its community guidelines: “Don’t post videos showing dangerous or illegal acts.” Racing on the public highway is both illegal and dangerous. The RAC Foundation believes these videos must be taken down as soon as they are brought to YouTube’s attention.
Commenting, Sheila Rainger, Head of Campaigns of the RAC Foundation, said:
“ Whilst there has always been an inclination for some young drivers to show off by racing on the highway, the information superhighway gives them a worldwide audience. We are concerned that posting film of illegal and dangerous driving on the internet is leading to copycat stunts, drivers trying to beat the records set.
“It is not illegal to show the footage but the RAC Foundation believes that the websites have a moral obligation not to allow it since it encourages dangerous driving. Together with the police we are calling on the video hosting sites to voluntarily remove clips of dangerous driving on the public highway. They do not need to hide behind excuses of censorship or lack of legislation to act on this matter.
"Young drivers who want to test their skills at speed should take to the track, not the highway. There are many clubs offering track time, and concerned parents could even give a day out at a track as a gift for under £50. ”
See Also:
Click here for more Safety stories
Click here for more Transport and Roads stories
Is driving safely a matter of personal responsibility or should the government intervene? Two experts put forward their cases for a successful road safety policy.
From Ken Carter to Fernando Alonso, remote-controlled cars to Parisian nutters. The craziest, the zaniest and the stupidest car stunt videos in the world in this week's Youtube round-up.
The new Mercedes S class has a sophisticated radar-based braking system - when it works. A demonstration ended up in a 3-car pile-up filmed by German TV.
If you ever drive with infants and children in the car, you may want to make sure that your car has ISOFIX fittings. This article explains what they are.
Network Rail has released dramatic footage of high-speed near-misses as motorists and pedestrians continue to dice with death at rail level crossings.
advertisement
The smart fortwo is the most eco-friendly car with a combustion engine on the market today after it was announced the smart fortwo cdi model emits just 86g/km of CO2. | 09/02/2010 10:09:47
Toyota has announced a global recall of its third-generation Prius hybrid, following reports of problems with brakes. | 09/02/2010 09:44:20
Two more models have been added to the Renault Van range in the shape of the Kangoo Van Maxi and new Trafic. | 09/02/2010 09:36:37
The Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe will debut at the 2010 Geneva Show in March. | 08/02/2010 12:07:16
The revised BMW X5 SUV will feature design and engine tweaks, offering greater performance and lower emissions. | 08/02/2010 11:57:24
|05/02/2010 11:41:35
The new 2010 Ford S-MAX features smarter new looks, seven seats and higher specs combined with impressive new drivetrains, but is likely to be relatively expensive.
|05/02/2010 12:35:29
Hot on the heels of the Twingo-based Renault Wind roadster, which blew in earlier this week, comes the all-new Renault Megane CC.
|05/02/2010 11:33:00
Ford debuts its new direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines, delivering more power and performance paired with improved fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, on new S-MAX and Galaxy MPV ranges
|05/02/2010 11:56:08
The refreshed seven-seat 2010 Ford Galaxy arrives in the UK in April with new petrol Ecoboost and diesel Duratorq engines - offering a higher class of ride, performance and comfort.
|05/02/2010 12:27:14
Citroen has expanded its range of LCVs with the introduction of seven ‘range-topping’ models of the Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay panel vans.
|13/11/2007
German sports car manufacturer marches on as it post a monster €5.85bn profit.
|19/09/2008
20 of the best 90's TV car adverts showcase an industry wising up to the buying power of women, and putting the battle of the sexes at the forefront of car commercials.
|20/11/2007
Around 400 people a day risk damaging their car by misfuelling, and filling up with gas is a mistake that could cost thousands. So what do you do if you´ve filled up your diesel car with unleaded petrol?
|01/10/2008
Euro Car Parts has acquired Pinco 1555 Ltd, including all 53 of LSUK's 53 branches, together with subsidiaries M I Diesel Products, Protech Automotive (UK) and Yeovil Rewind.
|05/09/2008
New-car and van registrations in August drop 20 per cent over the month, used car values are worst since early-90s recession. The recession hits the UK car market.
Search Motortorque:
No readers comments
Be the first to write a comment on this article