CSPD program to crack down on illegal street racing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- After unveiling a new effort to cut down on illegal street racing, Colorado Springs Police Department got 9 reports int he first few hours.

Police say Aviation Way in southeast Colorado Springs is one of the streets most used for street racing up until a couple of months ago. Police have now added speed bumps to crack down on the illegal behavior.

Colorado Springs Police said street racing is common throughout the city. But now, witnesses can report street racing to police through this website.

"The new website is reportstreetracing.com; you literally put in all the information you can. The more detailed the better, we want day of week and time of day," said CSPD Officer Scott Mathis who is heading the effort.

Police say street racing includes both cars, motorcycles, and even pickup trucks. They remind the community drivers not only put themselves in danger, but also risk the lives of innocent pedestrians and other roadway users.

They say cracking down has been difficult in the past because they don't have a designated department and by the time they dispatch officers, many times the racers are gone.

"We know this is a problem, citizens know this is a problem, This is about working together as a community to reduce the fatalities we have associated with it," he said.

Police ask the community to call 911 if these drivers are actively putting lives at risk.