The Fast And The Furious End Up As The Slow And The Dead
Friday, January 26th, 2007
It’s not meant to be a humorous tile - this story is deadly serious.
On International Parkway near Lake Mary Boulevard at around 7 a.m. James Jenkins, 45, drove his blue Dodge Neon into a tree whilst racing another vehicle.
State troopers said Jenkins died on impact even though he was wearing his seatbelt, due to the high rate of speed.
“These vehicles are not toys. This is not a game. People need to realize these vehicles can kill somebody,” Florida Highway Patrol Officer Kim Miller said.
“No longer is (illegal racing happening) on a back dirt road on a Saturday night. People are engaging in these types of activities (during) mid-morning and rush-hour traffic, where other people’s lives are at risk,” Miller said. “It’s not just 19- and 20-year-olds anymore … we are seeing other age groups participate.”
Up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine are prizes up for grabs in this activity which is illegal in Florida.