LPS charges street racers, issues over 100 traffic violations
Landon Hickok- 0
- 3 minutes read
Lethbridge Police have charged two young motorists with dangerous driving following a street race on Mayor Magrath Drive south where vehicles were driving more than twice the speed limit.
Last Friday on June 5, an officer on a motorcycle observed a truck stopped at the Mayor Magrath and 6th Avenue intersection. When the light turned green, the truck accelerated to about 125 kilometres an hour. During the pursuit, a sedan passed at a high rate of speed, with both vehicles overtaking multiple motorists. The officer positioned between lanes to safely maneuver through traffic and was able to conduct a traffic stop of each vehicle near 12th Avenue.
Two youths aged 16 and 17 were charged with dangerous driving and were issued various tickets for careless driving and speeding, with the driver of the truck additionally ticketed for stunting and failing to maintain equipment in good working order. Both are scheduled to appear in court on July 8.
The next day on June 6, LPS conducted a traffic enforcement project with Alberta Sheriffs as part of their ongoing targeted enforcement initiative. A total of 116 violation tickets were issued including two vehicles travelling 50 kilometres over the posted speed limit.
LPS’ targeted enforcement initiative occurs every summer and focuses on speeding, excessive vehicle noise, stunting, racing, and other illegal driving behaviours in areas of the city identified through public complaints and data analysis. It began in 2022 when high-risk and nuisance driving typically increase due to favourable weather and road conditions. Police take a zero-tolerance approach to offenders.
Within the 116 violation issued, police ticketed drivers for equipment violations (including loud exhaust and illegal window tint), stunting and driving without insurance. Officers issued one Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fail and two IRS Warns to impaired drivers, executed one outstanding warrant and towed multiple vehicles.
LPS is encouraging the public to report violations and high-risk driving behaviour by contacting LPS at 403-328-4444. Police say that public reports and data analysis will help guide their enforcement and deployment policies accordingly.
