Street race claims three lives in Miami

Three people lost their lives after one car in a street race crashed into oncoming traffic. According to police, three cars were illegally street racing on Flagler Street. Just before 2:00 a.m. at Flagler and 58th Avenue, one racing car met a family of four in a large SUV head-on.

The SUV driver, a 43-year-old father, and his 15-year-old son were killed in the tragic car accident. The mother and another child, age 12, are in extremely critical condition at an area hospital. Another daughter stated that she had spoken to her mother shortly before the car accident, also noting that her mom and dad had recently reconciled after a separation.

“The kids were happier than ever because they had their parents back together,” said the older daughter. Now her father and younger brother are gone forever. The impact of the crash tossed the large SUV around, rotating it at least three times before coming to rest. The force of the crash was so excessive that the entire engine was separated from the SUV.

The passenger in the racing auto was ejected from the vehicle and was found dead at the accident scene. Local police stated that the illegally racing auto was traveling at an “excessive high rate of speed” prior to the crash. Officials estimate the car may have reached 100 mph before or during the tragic accident.

Police authorities are now examining video footage from local businesses to identify the two other vehicles that were street racing. The driver of the racing car that caused the accident was also ejected from his vehicle. He remains in critical condition at this time.

Do you have any suggestions to stem the tide of car accidents from increasing illegal street racing? Do you have any ideas to help protect innocent drivers, traveling legally, from suffering serious injuries or death from careless, dangerous and irresponsible street racers?

Source: 6 South Florida, “Three Killed in Crash Caused by Flagler Street Drag Race: Cops,” Karen Franklin and Donna Rapado, Oct. 21, 2012