Drag racing fascinates teen boys, but as much as it is thrilling, it is even dangerous as it ends in severe injuries. The high speeds involved, coupled with the potential for mechanical failure and collisions, make it a recipe for serious common injuries. The blog will discuss the negative consequences in detail for you to better understand.
What is Drag Racing?
Drag racing is an illegal form of car racing where the car is driven at high speeds for a short distance.. The dangerous racing usually happens on city streets, highways, and other public roads like urban areas with high traffic.
The racing candidates come prepared for the sport by tuning their cars for better speed and acceleration. To show they are best in the game, they remove all safety gear from their vehicle to gain an added advantage.
A Quick Look On the United States Car Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, street racing is a prominent point of concern in The United States, leading to thousands of injuries and fatalities each year.
Let`s have a quick look over the car accident statistics:
- Usually, participants between 18-24 years old enjoy being a part of this risk-taking entertainment
- Urban roads are where 49% of the car collisions take place
- In street racing accidents, 31% lead to fatalities
- Male drivers are involved in approximately 90% of car accidents
The Most Common Injuries From Drag Racing
The above mentioned statistics are evidence that street racing is that harmful, but still happens to attract the youth.
The most common injuries that the boys sustain from drag racing are as follows:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Since the activity involves driving at high speed, it causes head injuries such as extreme traumatic brain injuries, also known as concussion or TBI. How fatal can these injuries be? Brain injuries have a long-lasting impact on motor and cognitive functioning and if the accident is very severe, then you can expect lifetime disability or loss of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is one sensitive body part that, if affected, can result in making an individual paralyzed, too. In drag racing, the spinal cord injury can eliminate the functioning of the limbs.
Deal With Broken Bones
Racing with maximum acceleration and then getting hit will definitely result in broken bones. You can get fractures in the legs, arms, and other parts of the body.
Internal Wounds
Car accidents cause blunt force traumas that cause internal wounds like liver and kidney damage and other body organs. There is no doubt in the fact that these are life-threatening and will require immediate medical attention. If you ignore going to the doctor, the healing process will also be delayed.
Explosions
You might have noticed that after a car meets with an accident there is an explosion or fire as an aftermath. What happens here? The fires and explosions lead to severe respiratory issues for the affected individual and burns on the skin that need to be medically addressed at the earliest convenience.
Whiplash
One of the most common injuries in a car accident is whiplash. How does it happen? The injury occurs when your head is jerked forth and back out of the blue due to high speed or being hit by another car. This causes stiffness and neck pain.
Emotional Trauma
Emotional trauma haunts an individual for a long time because the person must have been through a dreadful experience that has prevented them from thinking straight. In car accidents, too, drivers get emotionally traumatized when they experience a significant collision. It causes depression, anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, and fear of coming back on track.
One should not take any injuries from a car accident for granted. It might seem like a minor pain or injury initially, but it can transform into deadly results; therefore, take preventive measures in advance.
Reasons For People To Be A Part of Drag Racing
Despite knowing how dangerous and illegal drag racing is, teenagers and adults refuse to become more responsible towards their lives and continue having fun because of the following reasons:
It’s All About The Thrill
Can you stop teenagers high on adrenaline and love to compete in risky challenges from racing? Sadly, not! The age is when they are more motivated to participate in the activity. Drag racing serves as a trigger to flaunt their driving skills and it’s more like a challenge accepted kind of button. Winning in it gives them all the more encouragement to be a part of similar racing activities in the future as well.
Friends Pressurize
The pressure from friends makes one do everything impossible as well. At this tender age, boys are easily influenced by their acquaintances and friends. Their backing makes it irresistible to decline the offer.
Media And Culture
Many Hollywood movies have shown car racing scenes and how everyone is fond of them. The same goes for video games and music videos as well. The way it is demonstrated on the big curtain seems appealing to all, assuming it is a safe activity that people adopt as their hobby and lifestyle.
Lack Of Strict Laws
The lack of strict drag racing laws gives an accessible platform for young drivers to enjoy their time in racing. When there are no rules and regulations and no one to stop, it provides an excellent opportunity to continue this illegal activity.
Gambling Through Racing
Where money is concerned, then there is no stopping. People often get involved in drag racing to place bets on the contestants, and some just come there as spectators to try their luck at gaining a financial advantage.
Recognition
If the person is already a skilled driver and has been winning similar competitions, they are recognized for beating everyone in the field. It becomes a matter of recognition for them. That person will be applauded every time and recommended by their peers and friends.
Indeed, drag racing thrills them, but then they have to suffer the negative consequences as well.
Stay Safe From The Consequences of Drag Racing
In summary, there are numerous injuries that can occur from drag racing, and you need to be safer than ever when looking to participate in these dangerous activities.
If you or a loved one may have been injured due to the negligence of a drag racer who failed to follow the law, get in touch with a Philadelphia personal injury attorney today. They can help you ensure that your rights are protected and fight for the justice you deserve.