By: Richard L. Smith
The ongoing issue of drag racing in Newark's East Ward continues to be a cause for concern, as another incident of reckless driving and dangerous behavior unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning.
About 100 cars gathered in the area of Avenue P and Foundry Street, turning the streets into a dangerous playground for illegal drag racing.
Around 1:30 a.m., police officers arrived and immediately called for backup from across the city. The officers were alarmed but not surprised to witness the large gathering of vehicles and participants engaging in high-speed racing activities.
The crowd dispersed despite law enforcement's presence, but this is not the first time such incidents have occurred and it is a known activity that occurs often.
Drag racing enthusiasts seem to be quite comfortable with frequenting this area multiple times a week especially the weekends, disregarding the safety of themselves and others.
These illegal races often involve reckless speeding, with drivers competing against one another while sources say spectators place hefty bets on the outcomes. Unfortunately, this dangerous sport has resulted in numerous bodily injuries and extensive property damage in the past.
Authorities are actively working to address this ongoing problem, deploying additional patrols and increasing surveillance in the affected areas. The aim appears to be to curb the frequency and scale of these illegal racing events and ensure the safety of both participants and innocent bystanders.
Engaging in illegal drag racing puts lives at risk and undermines the overall quality of life in the affected neighborhoods.
At approximately 1 a.m., Jersey City Police received several reports of drag racing in the 700 block of NJ-440.
When officers arrived, they found nearly 100 cars setting up to race at that location. Patrol units managed to break up the illegal activity and believe most of the participants traveled over to Newark's East Ward instead.
Residents are urged to promptly report any instances of drag racing or suspicious activity to the authorities. Public safety should be a collective responsibility, and by working together, the community can help end these dangerous and illegal activities.
Sunday morning's incident resulted in no injuries or property damage.
IMAGE: File