Acworth Street Race Results in Death and Serious Injuries

Cobb County Courthouse

Acworth, Ga. - According to authorities in Cobb County, a death and multiple serious injuries occurred as a direct result of illegal street racing.

The incident took place on Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Shiloh Road and Tweed Drive. Two cars were reportedly racing which led to one of the drivers losing control of his vehicle. A collision occurred with an unrelated vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the racing vehicle died after being transported to Kennestone Hospital.

In today's post, I will focus on the alleged crime in the story above - street racing. Most of the time, racing is an offense that is often reported inside the City of Atlanta as a result of the number interstates.

Racing in Georgia

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-186 of the Georgia Code defines the offense of racing in Georgia as:

Georgia law prohibits any vehicle on a highway of this state from participating in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record.

Racing is legally defined as the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to out-gain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.

Furthermore, drag racing is legally defined as the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerated speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course from the same point to the same point for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit.

If convicted of racing, the penalties can include any punishments allowed under the misdemeanor sentencing statute. These punishments range from fines of $1000 plus court costs, license suspension, community service, jail time, probation to more. A racing conviction can also lead to the suspension of your Georgia Driver's License.

Practice Note

If you have been arrested for a traffic violation such as racing or DUI in Georgia, contact our offices now. We can help you with your case immediately.