A DeKalb County commissioner will host a panel next week to discuss ways to combat illegal street racing, which has become a more prevalent issue during the coronavirus pandemic.
Commissioner Larry Johnson will host the virtual panel discussion from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, according to a news release. The panel will consist of Sen. Emanuel Jones, D-Decatur, real estate agent Bobbie Sanford, the Camaro Nation ATL car club and representatives from DeKalb County Public Safety. The panel meeting will be streamed live on Johnson’s Facebook page.
The discussion aims to bring together residents, police officials and car enthusiasts to figure out solutions to prevent the illegal activity, the release said. Police officials from across metro Atlanta have reported an increase in laying drag since last April, when COVID-19 left streets more empty than usual. In some cases, hundreds of spectators have blocked interstates to watch the illegal races.
The uptick in street racing prompted Atlanta police to pass an ordinance to punish participants, organizers and spectators. Doraville and Brookhaven followed suit, passing similar laws in late 2020, and Chamblee leaders are in the process of discussing a similar ordinance.
Each city’s law imposes fines and threatens up to six months of jail time for violators. Atlanta and Brookhaven will also impound vehicles used to lay drag for up to 30 days or until adjudication.
— Commissioner Larry J (@LarryJohnsonD3) January 13, 2021
About the Author
