Congressman David Valadao, representing California’s 22nd district, has partnered with Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen of Colorado to reintroduce the “They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act.” This legislation aims to establish a Street Racing Prevention and Intervention Task Force under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The task force will work on coordinating responses at local, state, and federal levels to tackle street racing and unlawful organized street shows.
Valadao emphasized the severity of street racing in his region: “In the Central Valley, street racing is an epidemic that puts our communities in danger,” he stated. He highlighted that Kern County’s fatal hit-and-run accident rate significantly exceeds the national average. According to him, illegal street racing endangers drivers, first responders, and bystanders.
Pettersen echoed these concerns from her constituency: “I’ve heard from constituents across Broomfield and Jefferson Counties who are concerned by the illegal street racing on the rise in our communities.” She mentioned a tragic incident involving a college student’s death due to street racing. As part of National Police Week efforts, she expressed commitment to providing law enforcement with necessary tools against reckless driving.
A study covering data from 2018 to 2022 placed Kern and Tulare counties among the top 25 U.S. regions for fatal hit-and-run crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that speeding accounts for about one-third of motor vehicle fatalities over two decades. Street racing is increasingly common in Central Valley areas with growing populations.
The bill seeks not only to address safety issues but also noise disruptions caused by such activities. It proposes appointing task force members from various agencies including the DOJ Criminal Division, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, FBI, as well as local and state law enforcement.
