Recently, video footage surfaced showing a street takeover on Chicago’s North Side, with cars spinning wildly in the street as fireworks exploded overhead. These reckless events put lives at risk, disrupt communities, and make our roads more dangerous for everyone.
I introduced HB3542 to crack down on these dangerous and irresponsible events before someone gets seriously hurt. This legislation would strengthen Illinois law by:
-Prohibiting street racing and sideshows statewide.
-Holding vehicle owners accountable if they knowingly allow their cars to be used in these events.
-Making it illegal to block traffic to facilitate these gatherings.
Violators would face serious consequences, including license revocation and, in extreme cases, up to 12 years in prison for aggravated street racing that leads to serious injury.
Now, I’m working alongside my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to fold these provisions into a larger omnibus package, ensuring we take meaningful action to protect Illinois drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from the dangers of reckless driving.
Watch the ABC7 News coverage to see how these street takeovers are affecting our communities, and join us in pushing for safer roads across Illinois.