Georgia Police Arrest Another Driver Allegedly Involved in Fatal Racing Collision

A horrifying street racing collision that was reported in April of this year now has yet another defendant. Police arrested Xavier Flores on charges of reckless driving, two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of hit and run, and racing.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I handle many different types of serious traffic violations. There are many different serious violations that the drivers above have been accused of committing. However, in today's post, I will outline the traffic offense of racing in the state of Georgia.

Racing in Georgia

Georgia Law defines racing in Georgia in O.C.G.A. §40-6-186 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.

By law, the term racing is defined as the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, 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.

Drag racing is also 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.

Racing penalties if convicted can include:

• Any punishments allowed under the misdemeanor sentencing statute
• Fines of $1000 plus court costs
• License suspension for points if the charge causes you to reach 15 points
• License suspension as a penalty for the offense itself
• License suspension for 6 months for persons under the age of 21
• Court-ordered license suspension for any driver if the court deems it necessary
• Community Service
• Jail-time
• Probation

Practice Note

Racing is considered a serious traffic violation in the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one has been arrested for racing on Georgia roads, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney now.