Street racing has become a growing concern in many communities across the United States. Recently, NBC News aired a segment about the dangerous street racing taking place across the country, including in Horizon West, Florida. The report highlighted the dangers associated with illegal street racing, including the risk of serious injury and death.

NBCNews interviewed a local Horizon West resident who talked about the continuous street racing that is occurring along Village Lake Road, behind the Westside Shoppes plaza.

In response, HorizonWestInfo.com received the below statement from Orange County Sheriff’s Office regarding street racing:

We are aware of the racing that occurs in Orange County – keeping the motorists safe on our roads is a top priority for us.

These groups of reckless and aggressive drivers occur throughout the United States, to include here in Central Florida. From a law enforcement perspective, this type of activity can be challenging to address. Since these driver are mobile, they often flee when law enforcement arrives, and that fleeing makes the streets even more dangerous for other drivers. And oftentimes the violators have left the area before law enforcement can arrive. However, our deputies continuously enforce traffic laws throughout Orange County.

We urge anyone who witnesses this type of activity in unincorporated Orange County to report it by calling 9-1-1 or our non-emergency number (407) 836-4357. Residents or visitors can also go to OCSO.com or use 311 to provide us information on a traffic concern.

The NBC News report serves as a warning to young people who may be tempted to engage in illegal street racing. It is important to remember that these races are not only dangerous but also illegal. Participants in street races face fines and arrest.