Off the Streets. On the Track.

Editors: B-roll of the USC Racing formula-syle race car is available for your use.

Illegal street racing, street takeovers, speeding, and other forms of reckless driving threaten lives across Southern California. In recent months, several street takeovers have disrupted communities in Los Angeles County, including a fatal shooting at a takeover in Carson, a shooting at a takeover in East Los Angeles that injured a child and others, a takeover in Gardena that blocked residents from accessing their homes, and a Downtown Los Angeles takeover near L.A. Live that resulted in vandalism.

To help address these dangers, the Auto Club of Southern California is partnering with USC Racing, Street Racing Kills, and law enforcement to encourage drivers-especially young motorists-to make safer choices behind the wheel. Together, the organizations are reinforcing a simple but powerful message: Racing belongs on the track, not on public streets.

The initiative comes during AAA's 100 Days of Safe Driving campaign, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day-a period that historically sees an increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. In 2024, 2,636 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver nationwide. Of those fatalities, 825 occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In California, that same year, 208 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver, with 55 of those fatalities happening in the summer.

"Too many families are impacted every summer by crashes that are entirely preventable," said Kandace Redd, spokesperson for the Auto Club of Southern California. "The 100 Days of Safe Driving campaign reminds us that every decision behind the wheel matters. Through our partnership with USC Racing, Street Racing Kills, and law enforcement, we're encouraging everyone to drive responsibly and remember that if you want to race, the track is the only safe and legal place to do it."

Illegal Street Racing Puts Lives at Risk

Street racing on public roads poses serious risks to community safety. It includes reckless behaviors, such as excessive speeding, illegal drag racing, street takeovers, and weaving through traffic at high speeds, all of which endanger participants, other drivers, pedestrians, and emergency responders. These activities can lead to devastating crashes, serious injuries, and loss of life, while also disrupting traffic and undermining the safety of surrounding communities.

According to the California Highway Patrol, street racing incidents that occurred within the CHP's jurisdiction decreased by more than 41% statewide between 2023 and 2025. CHP's Southern Division, which encompasses Los Angeles County, saw a more than 38% decrease during that same period.

"Although street racing incidents have decreased statewide, the danger associated with these reckless behaviors has not gone away," said Officer Roberto Gomez with the California Highway Patrol. "Excessive speeds, illegal racing, and street takeovers put the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and first responders at risk. The California Highway Patrol will continue enforcing the law and educating the public to help prevent these dangerous behaviors and the tragedies they can cause."

Addressing the Dangers of Reckless Driving

Law enforcement agencies throughout California continue to combat illegal street racing and reckless driving through targeted enforcement, education, and community partnerships. The Los Angeles Police Department's Street Racing Task Force plays a key role in these efforts by identifying and responding to street racing, street takeovers, and other dangerous driving activity.

According to the LAPD, as of July 18, the Street Racing Task Force has responded to 257 street takeovers, made 251 arrests, conducted 867 traffic stops, issued 789 traffic citations, and impounded 293 vehicles connected to illegal street racing and reckless driving so far this year.

Under California law, illegal street racing can carry serious consequences, including fines, court fees, points added to a driving record, driver's license suspension or restriction, vehicle impoundment, increased insurance rates, and arrest in certain cases. Those who organize races, block roadways, or participate in illegal street racing events may also face criminal charges.

"Illegal street racing is reckless, dangerous, and completely preventable," said Detective Ryan Moreno with the Los Angeles Police Department. "Enforcement plays a critical role, but prevention is just as important. Through education and strong partnerships, we're working to stop these behaviors before they result in tragedy and to keep our communities safe."

Few Participate in Street Racing, Yet Many Witness It

Although few drivers participate in street racing, many motorists encounter these dangerous behaviors on public roads, creating risks for drivers, pedestrians, and communities, according to a national survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

More than 3,000 U.S. drivers ages 16 and older participated in the online survey in May 2025. The survey examined drivers' exposure to, participation in, and concerns about street racing on public roads, including street takeovers, drag racing, and high-speed racing.

Key findings include:

• 73% of drivers noticed at least one street racing behavior in the past year.

• 31% witnessed drivers weaving through traffic, the most observed behavior.

• 21% were unintentionally exposed to street racing.

• 12% witnessed drag racing regularly or often, while 9% witnessed street takeovers.

• 4% admitted to participating in street racing as a driver.

Turning Tragedy into Prevention

Street Racing Kills (SRK) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young drivers about the dangers of illegal street racing and reckless driving while promoting safer choices behind the wheel.

The organization was founded in 2014 by Lili Trujillo Puckett after her 16-year-old daughter, Valentina, was killed in a crash involving a driver who was street racing while giving her a ride home. Since then, SRK has partnered with schools, families, and community organizations to help prevent similar tragedies through education, mentorship, and outreach.

"Street racing is not a victimless crime-it has real and devastating consequences," said Lili Trujillo Puckett, founder and executive director of Street Racing Kills. "Every presentation we give is an opportunity to prevent another family from experiencing this kind of loss. We want young drivers to understand that speed belongs on the track, not on neighborhood streets."

Students Help Drive the Safety Message

USC Racing, the University of Southern California's Formula SAE team, demonstrates that competitive racing can be pursued safely and responsibly. The student-led organization includes more than 80 members from a variety of academic disciplines who design, build, test, and compete with formula-style race cars.

Each year, USC Racing competes against universities from around the world, showcasing engineering innovation, teamwork, and vehicle performance. The program gives students a safe, controlled environment to pursue their passion for motorsports, while applying classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.

"Being part of USC Racing has taught me that safety is the foundation of everything we do," said Joey Cha, USC Racing student. "We spend countless hours designing, validating, developing, and preparing our car before driving on a track. Racing in a controlled environment allows us to push our limits without putting ourselves or others at risk."

Choose Safe, Legal Places to Race

There are safe, legal alternatives to street racing in Southern California. Drivers can participate in drifting, drag racing, and other motorsports events at racing venues while enjoying competition in a controlled environment.

Law enforcement encourages drivers to participate at these venues instead of engaging in illegal street takeovers and reckless driving activities that can result in serious injuries and fatalities.

Southern California racing venues include:

• Apple Valley Speedway

• Willow Springs Raceway

• Barona Speedway

• Famoso Dragstrip

• Chuckwalla Valley Raceway

• Adams Motorsports Park