Police Caution Motorists Against Speed Racing 06-20-01

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
OFFICER CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
JUNE 20, 2001MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police are asking teenagers and adult drivers to obey the speed limits and refrain from racing on public roadways.

The plea was made because there have been an increasing number of reports of speed racing on public streets and roads on the Big Island, according to Officer Christopher Gali of the Traffic Enforcement Unit.

During the past few weeks, there have been several incidents, Gali said, noting that one incident caused a traffic fatality and another resulted in minor injuries.

In a recent incident, two vehicles were racing toward Puna on Kanoelehua Avenue near Kawailani Street when one of the vehicles went out of control, striking a third vehicle and causing it to overturn. The other vehicle involved in the race fled the scene. Fortunately, the collision caused only minor injuries.

“The racing problem is on the increase, which could mean more deaths and injuries on our roadways,” Gali said.

Police are also concerned about a new movie, “The Fast and the Furious,” which premiers Friday (June 22, 2001). The movie is about rival street gangs in Los Angeles who adapt sports cars into weapons and race them illegally.

“There is a danger that some young drivers will watch this movie and try to copy it on our roadways,” Gali said.

Police are asking for the public’s cooperation to drive safely and responsibly, and they are asking for parents with teenage drivers to talk to their children about their driving habits.

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