457 DRIVERS STOPPED, 32 ARRESTED IN STREET RACING CRACKDOWN ON TAMPA-AREA BRIDGES: FHP
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Thirty-two people were arrested following a multi-agency crackdown that targeted street racing on Tampa-area bridges, the Florida Highway Patrol announced Tuesday.
During “Operation Keep Our Streets,” the FHP, along with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Clearwater Police Department, Pinellas Park Police Department, St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, “[put] the brakes on street racing.”
According to the FHP, the primary focus of the operation was the Gandy Bridge and Courtney Campbell Causeway — two locations troopers said have made headlines due to recent street racing incidents where drivers have been arrested for racing at more than 100 mph.
“This operation to educate the community about the importance of obeying traffic laws and avoiding reckless driving is a testament to our commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of our community,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “We are grateful for the support and dedication of all the agencies involved; together, we are making our roads safer for our residents.”
The Howard Frankland Bridge, another area known for street racing, was not included in Monday’s crackdown due to construction. However, FHP said reckless driving and speeding on the bridge will not be tolerated.
“The type of behavior involved in this kind of activity is completely unacceptable,” Tampa Police Department Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. “These street takeovers not only put participants at risk but also creates a dangerous situation for innocent motorists. The Tampa Police Department wants to send a clear message that those who choose to engage in such reckless activity will be arrested, and this updated law now holds these individuals even more accountable for their actions.”
The operation coincides following the kickoff of Senate Bill 1764, which increases the maximum fine for those participating in street racing or roadway takeovers. The bill also revises penalties for second-time offenders and increases criminal penalties and fines for anyone who knowingly interferes with emergency vehicles responding to calls for service due to street racing or street takeover activities.
“Our ongoing partnerships with other law enforcement agencies allow us to address reckless driving and make our roadways safer. The goal is to prevent serious injury and fatal crashes,” Assistant Chief of the St. Petersburg Police Department Michael Kovacsev said.
Throughout Operation Keep Our Streets, the agencies conducted 457 traffic stops for unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding, violation of a traffic control device, driving under the influence, driving while license suspended, violation of the move-over law, fleeing to elude, possession of narcotics, and street racing.
Officials also issued 162 traffic citations, 295 traffic warnings, five DUI arrests, 18 criminal citations and two arrests for street racing.
“FHP is committed to ensuring Florida roadways are safe for everyone to travel,” FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said. “This operation and its success reflect our commitment and provide ample warning to those who jeopardize public safety; FHP aggressively enforces traffic and criminal laws to protect our citizens and visitors.”
Anyone who encounters illegal street racing, street takeovers or stunt driving is asked to call FHO (*347) or 911. Visit here for more information.
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2024-07-03T01:00:09Z dg43tfdfdgfd