Illegal street events continue to rise, causing damage and injuries, while law enforcement struggles to keep up.
Fla. News Network—Despite the implementation of stricter laws aimed at curbing illegal street activities, “intersection takeovers” are on the rise. These takeovers can cause significant damage to vehicles and infrastructure and injuries to bystanders. These events, characterized by groups of drivers taking over intersections to perform dangerous stunts, have become a growing concern for local communities and law enforcement agencies.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a 38% increase in intersection takeover incidents between 2022 and 2023, with major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale being particular hotspots.
The consequences of intersection takeovers are severe. They significantly damage public and private property, including roads and surrounding buildings. Moreover, these events pose a substantial risk to public safety, as they can lead to injuries and even fatalities among participants and bystanders. The disruption caused by these takeovers also hampers the movement of emergency vehicles, which can have critical consequences in emergency situations.