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‘Thrills that kill': CHP launches campaign to combat illegal street racing, sideshows

The campaign features a three-dimensional installation of an actual crashed vehicle along Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles

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Photo/CHP

By Police1 Staff

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is accelerating its efforts to halt illegal street racing and sideshows plaguing the state’s roadways and destroying the lives of innocent victims.

To increase awareness about the devastation and destruction caused by this illegal and dangerous driving behavior, the CHP unveiled a new multi-media “Thrills That Kill” campaign while standing amid a three-dimensional installation featuring an actual crashed vehicle along Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.

The billboard is one of more than 50 displays being erected throughout the state reminding drivers about illegal street racing and sideshows.

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In 2021, the CHP responded to more than 7,300 sideshow incidents statewide with nearly 123,000 participants.

Photo/CHP

“Illegal street racing and sideshows put lives at risk, upset the quality of our neighborhoods, cause damage to private and public property, and in some cases, have resulted in the death of innocent people,” CHP Deputy Commissioner Troy Lukkes said. “Through our ongoing efforts, we want to send the message throughout California that this dangerous and illegal activity will not be tolerated.”

Illegal sideshows have been occurring at an alarming rate in California. In 2021, the CHP responded to more than 7,300 incidents statewide with nearly 123,000 participants. Over a 5-year period, illegal street racing and sideshow activities have resulted in 264 crashes. Of those incidents attributed to this reckless behavior, 30 crashes were fatal, and 124 others resulted in injuries.

Funding for the campaign came from a one-time state budget allocation of $5.5 million at the request of California Assemblymember Vince Fong and a former Assemblymember, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper.

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