Research In Action

Street racing has long been associated with reckless driving and high-speed collisions, but its prevalence is increasing, particularly in major cities like Philadelphia. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speed-related crashes accounted for almost a third of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2022. That translates to nearly 12,000 deaths annually—one out of every four traffic fatalities. In urban centers, where population density is high and roadways are often congested, the risk is even more pronounced. 

Philadelphia, in particular, has seen a concerning rise in speeding-related incidents. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, 2023 saw a 15% increase in high-speed crashes compared to the previous year. These crashes not only lead to fatalities, but also contribute to a significant number of severe injuries, many of which result in long-term disability or require intensive medical intervention. 

The Role of Social Media 

One of the most alarming trends in recent years is the widespread use of social media to promote and broadcast speed racing. With high-speed street racing often glorified in viral videos, these platforms create a dangerous feedback loop, where participants receive social validation—such as likes, shares, and followers—for engaging in reckless driving. Videos showcasing dangerous driving behaviors are increasingly common on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users film themselves performing high-speed maneuvers and stunts, sometimes in busy urban areas. The visibility of these incidents not only encourages others to imitate the behavior, but also desensitizes the public to the real-world consequences of such acts. 

What Clinicians Can Do 

Clinicians can help prevent street racing by talking about road safety and responsible driving as part of routine patient care. Given that many speed racers are teens and young adults, particularly males between the ages of 18 and 34, clinicians can help by addressing risk factors like impulsivity, sensory-seeking behaviors, and a lack of awareness about the long-term consequences of high-speed driving. Acknowledging social media’s role in promoting speed racing behaviors can also be a vital part of behavioral counseling. 

Learn more about how to prevent speeding in young drivers here.