15-05-2025
Congressional leaders react to national study ranking Kern County top for fatal hit-and-run crashes
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A national study analyzing data from 2018 to 2022 found Kern and Tulare ranking among the top 25 nationwide for fatal hit-and-run crashes.
Thursday, Congressman David Valadao joined Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen to reintroduce the They're Fast, We're Furious Act where this bipartisan bill would establish a Street Racing Prevention and Intervention Task Force under the FBI to coordinate responses to street racing and unlawful organized street shows.
This bill will ultimately create safer communities and potentially save lives.
'Kern County's fatal hit-and-run accident rate is over 151% higher than the national average, and deadly crashes are a direct result of reckless driving at high speeds. Illegal street racing in our neighborhoods puts the lives of other drivers, first responders, and innocent bystanders at risk…', said Congressman Valadao.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has an enormous contribution to roughly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the past two decades.
Illegal street racing and streets shows are becoming increasingly common across the Central Valley. This bill takes a step towards tackling down life-threatening activities.
Establishing task force would coordinate efforts nationwide and ensure law enforcement and agencies have the best information and resources available.
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