Endangering lives during street races is 'murder' : Bahrain activist

Manama : Anyone who endangers the life of another by racing on street or performing illegal car stunts should be considered guilty of murder, a prominent social activist opined.

“Youngsters taking racing to the streets has been a longstanding menace, and it will not go away unless tougher laws are passed,” social activist Salman Nasser said.

Though the traffic law  enforced last year has been a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to ensure road safety, he added.

“The existing law does criminalise such behaviour, but I think the punishments should be more harsh. I believe those who cause such accidents should be considered guilty of murder,” he noted.

He warned that the fatal crash, during an illegal car stunt show last week, should be seen as a wake up call. 

“Our prayers and condolences are with the family of the deceased. It is regrettable that he had to die in such circumstances. 

“There are youngsters out there who still engage in street racing and perform illegal stunts across the Island. Some people are ready to risk their lives as well as others for the sake of mere entertainment. It is about time that we adopt some stringent measures,” he said. 

Learn from the West

Some of the Western countries have already introduced laws to incriminate such people. In USA alone, at least two people have been asked to stand trial this year in connection with street racing crashes that eventually led to deaths. 

In January, 23-year-old Alfredo Perez Davila was charged with murder following a street-racing crash, which left a motorist dead in Los
Angeles. 

In March, another alleged street racer Dealio Lockhart was charged with three counts of murder. Lockhart, 35, was charged for his involvement in the car crash that resulted in the death of three people. If convicted he could face life in prison.

Awareness campaigns should target youth

Awareness campaigns that target the youth are essential in curbing illegal street racing and high-risk driving behaviours, he pointed out. 

“The issue is not only about the traffic rules, it is also about spreading awareness,” he said. 

“I also urge the traffic directorate to work closely with schools, universities, clubs, youth centres, cultural associations and trade unions to spread awareness about the issue,” he said.