The Culture Behind the Cars
Car culture is so significant in Los Angeles that it remains a natural hub for scenes ranging from JDM builds and canyon runs to traditional hot rodding and lowriding. Preserving that culture is also part of the push behind Jay Leno-backed “Leno’s Law,” which would grant qualifying older collector vehicles exemptions from smog checks.
On the flip side, car culture can also have a downside, including street takeovers. These involve blocking roads and intersections for drivers to perform burnouts, donuts, and other stunts, recalling the illegal street-racing scenes in the first installment of the Fast and Furious franchise – which was largely filmed in Los Angeles. Because of the dangers, authorities have pursued several countermeasures. The latest crackdown saw the Los Angeles Police Department assemble a fleet of buses and tow trucks to transport people arrested and impound vehicles.
Turned Up in Force
ABC7 reported that LAPD’s dedicated Street Racing Task Force conducted “Operation Street Sweeper” early Saturday, September 5, at the intersection of South Figueroa Street and West Alondra Boulevard in Harbor Gateway. More than 150 LAPD officers were deployed, with footage showing police vehicles blocking the streets during the operation.
According to a resident, street takeovers in her area are dangerous, and participants even set off fireworks. “No respect for anybody around here,” she said.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said police made nearly 70 arrests, issued 570 citations, and impounded 200 vehicles. Seven firearms were also recovered. Authorities have not announced whether the impounded vehicles will be auctioned or crushed. Historically, California authorities have crushed some street-racing vehicles, but those cases involved additional legal grounds, such as altered or removed identification numbers. Such events are typically covered by the media, allowing law enforcement to send a strong message to drivers.
Appetite for Mayhem
Drivers may participate for several reasons, including thrill-seeking and the pursuit of social-media clout. Burnouts, donuts, and near misses can turn dangerous behavior into online content. Unfortunately, takeovers have also resulted in injuries and deaths, including people struck by participating vehicles.
The hope is that this latest crackdown will help curb street takeovers, as celebrating car culture shouldn’t put others at risk. Organized track events offer a more appropriate setting to push a car’s limits.
