CHAVES COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s an all too common occurrence across the state, illegal street racing. In southeast New Mexico, it’s no exception. “Here in Roswell, we’ve had people die because of crashes because people racing crash into other people Or even wrecked their cars and caused serious damage or injury to other people,” said Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington.
Sheriff Herington says his office is taking a no-tolerance stance. He says if someone is caught racing, they are going straight to jail. “So, the way that we do this we arrest you, we take you to jail, and we tow your car. So now not only do you have a bond, a court appearance, but now you have tow bill,” said Sheriff Herrington.
He says the people they’re seeing racing range from 15 years to their mid-30s. He says though, it’s the teens who really concern him. “What we are doing… what we’ve seen is that tickets are not doing the job. It doesn’t matter, a lot of these kids, especially kids, they are living at home. Mom and dad pay the ticket. Mom, dad’s insurance goes up. The kids are still going out and drag racing,” Sheriff Herrington said.
And for those that really feel the need for speed, the sheriff is reminding drivers that the City of Roswell has a safer alternative at the Roswell drag strip. “It’s an expensive hobby. But if you crash your car, there is an ambulance standing by. There is somebody there to help you immediately to provide you medical attention,” said Sheriff Herrington.
In the end, he says this is about making the streets of Chaves County safer. “But, it is still cheaper than what is going to cost you if you kill somebody and they turn around and sue you for wrongful death,” said Sheriff Herrington.
Street racing is a misdemeanor in the state of New Mexico.
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