Multiple cars were involved in a pileup on Interstate 17 near the Glendale Avenue exit after two cars that were believed to be drag racing collided with other vehicles, according to police. The crash occurred in the early hours of November 2, 2018.
Two vehicles were traveling at very high speeds southbound on Interstate 17 when one lost control and hit a white car next to it. The woman driving the white car was thrown from her vehicle after it rolled on the freeway. Another truck was hit during the incident, but that driver was not injured. The woman in the white car was taken to the hospital with extensive injuries.
One of the alleged drag racers left the scene of the accident, while the other one stopped his car and ran away on foot. Troopers are still looking for both drivers.
The freeway was closed for at least seven hours as crews worked to clean up the wreckage after victims were taken to the hospital. Anyone with information can contact DPS or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
The Dangers of Drag Racing
Cars that travel at high speeds are more likely to cause accidents because drivers cannot react in time to other cars. These accidents often result in more serious injuries and fatalities because the high rate of speed causes greater impact. Drag racing is illegal, as is speeding and endangering the lives of others through aggressive driving.
While it’s not always possible to stay away from drag racers because no one knows where illegal activity will take place, there are a few things you can do if you see other cars speeding.
Travel in the right lane whenever possible so faster cars can pass on the left.
If you see someone approaching quickly from behind, don’t make abrupt lane changes, because that driver might attempt to swerve around you. Instead, reduce your speed slowly, let them pass, and then pull over to alert authorities.
If you do need to make a lane change, use your blinkers to let others know your intentions.
If you are injured by someone who is drag racing, it’s important to reach out to an experienced car accident attorney right away. The drag racer has broken the law and can be held responsible for your hospital bills and rehabilitation costs. The Husband and Wife Law Team has years of experience obtaining settlements for people who have been hurt by careless drivers who break the law.