Illegal street racing is becoming more common in the Pittsburgh region, and leaders are cracking down on the dangerous crime.
“This is an issue, and you’re going to see a lot more troopers out, especially in our area on 79, 376, 70 down in Washington County, where we see these higher reports of speeding,” said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Rocco Gagliardi.
PSP, AAA and PennDOT united for a press conference to discuss the growing problem on Thursday.
“Unfortunately, people participating or just showing interest in illegal street racing varies in a wide range of ages, even as young as 13 years old,” said Yasmeen Manyisha, PennDOT spokesperson.
The risky hobby is commonly filmed for and shared on social media. Last year, Channel 11 reported that a social media content creator from Florida was among several charged for blocking the Fort Pitt Bridge to drag race. The criminal situation caused chaos, and a fleeing car struck a police cruiser.
>> State police car hit responding to report of 50 vehicles drag racing on Fort Pitt Bridge