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Drag racing a growing concern
13/7/2005 7:44

Dong Zhen/Shanghai Daily news

Traffic police are worried about the growing number of car and motorcycle drivers involved in drag races on local streets and elevated roads.
Police are now asking the public to provide tips about drag racing - either the names of those involved, or the times and locations of drag races - to help them crack down on the problem.
The Shanghai Public Security Bureau is also warning drivers that they face severe punishments if they are caught drag racing, including criminal charges if they cause a serious accident.
Police say they have received a growing number of complaints from local residents about motorcycles racing on empty streets overnight.
"I hope authorities can do something to stop this dangerous game," said Chen Yujie, who said she often sees motorbikes racing at night near her home at the intersection of Haifang Road and Shaanxi Road N.
"When speeds reach 80 kilometers an hour, which is common for racing motorcycles, it could be very dangerous," said officer Sun Guofu.
Police encourage witnesses to take pictures or videos of the illegal races, which can be used to track down the motorcycle riders.
While motorcycle races are commonly seen on city streets, many car owners are racing their vehicles on elevated roads late at night.
Some local drivers said the newly opened section of the under-construction Middle Ring Road, on Wenshui Road E., is a great place for racing or just hitting the accelerator.
"Few drivers have come to know about the new overhead, so the number of cars using it is small. When you drive on the open lanes, you can't help accelerating and before you know it, you are zipping along at more than 100 kilometers an hour," said a female car owner surnamed Yang.
"The city's elevated roads are mostly narrow and particularly dangerous for car racing," said a traffic police with the elevated road team.
A refitted Sail was speeding along the Middle Ring Road near Yixian Road early Monday morning when it accidentally crashed into the guard rail.
Police said the car was probably going more than 150 kilometers an hour at time of the collision.
Rescuers had to cut the driver and his female passenger out of the twisted wreckage of the car. They were rushed to hospital, where both were treated for several broken bones.