Monterey County CHP cracks down on street racing

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) --The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is intensifying efforts to combat street racing across Monterey County. This comes after two drivers were arrested near Iverson and Jacks Road last night for reckless driving and participating in unauthorized speed contests.

Many residents, particularly in Salinas, have voiced growing concerns about street racing in their communities. Local neighborhoods, especially on the east side and outskirts of the city, often hear the sounds of car burnouts and donuts at night, frequently at street intersections and vacant parking lots.

Alexander Alonso, a Salinas resident, shared his concerns, stating, "I haven't seen anything as far as street racing goes, but I know of some street racing that happens in Salinas." Others, like Lino Diaz, who also lives in Salinas, expressed how the noise and dangerous driving has escalated over time. "We do hear a lot of street racing. I mean, where I live on the east side, you can always hear the cars at night. They're always pretty loud. I mean personally, before I wouldn't really mind, but now getting older, I realize how dangerous it could be."

The CHP has responded with a proactive approach, asking the community to help by reporting any street racing activities. In a statement, the department emphasized its commitment to working with local communities to create safer roadways. "CHP is taking a proactive stance against street racing by actively monitoring and targeting reckless driving and unauthorized speed contests. Through ongoing efforts, we educate the public about the serious dangers of street racing, emphasizing that such behavior endangers not only the racers but everyone on our roads," said the CHP. "By working together with the community, traffic enforcement, and education, we are committed to changing behavior and ensuring safer roadways for all."

For residents like Alonso, the solution may begin with increased police presence during late-night hours when these races are most common. "I think the first step for the police department would be to crack down on any overnight street racing get-togethers. I know that's been a theme here in Salinas," Alonso added. "If the police start there, I think they'll be able to crack down on those street racers for sure."

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office has also pledged to support the CHP's efforts, noting that recent trends on social media have placed the area on the map as a hotspot for street racing events, particularly "side shows." The Sheriff's Office is working alongside local agencies to address these issues, with plans for more detailed strategies to be shared in the coming weeks.

Residents like Halo Lapor suggest that improving street planning and infrastructure could be a long-term solution. "I think the only thing we can do is better street planning, better infrastructure, and more awareness around street racing, especially in vacant parking lots on the outskirts of town. People are just going super fast in those areas, and it's just not safe at all."

The collaboration between local law enforcement agencies signals a strong commitment to reducing the risks posed by street racing and ensuring safer communities for all. As officials continue to monitor and address the issue, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to help curb the dangerous trend.