A fatal auto accident involving an off-duty law enforcement officer remains under investigation as state troopers determine whether or not reckless driving was a factor in the crash.

According to news reports, authorities suspect the police officer was racing another vehicle when he lost control of his car and crashed in Midtown Atlanta in the early morning hours of September 14.

The officer’s Dodge Challenger reportedly hit a stone wall. His passenger, a 20-year-old man, was killed in the crash. The officer was also severely injured and had to undergo surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital.

The dangers of street racing

While Hollywood films like “The Fast and the Furious” glorify street racing, in reality this illegal activity presents major risks to drivers, passengers and bystanders. When traveling at high speeds, it becomes much easier for a driver to lose control of a vehicle, especially if there are potholes, loose gravel or other hazards in the road.

Passenger vehicles — even those that are supposed to be for racing — are not designed to handle the impact of a high-speed crash. The passenger compartment of these vehicles will collapse when one of these crashes occur, and airbags and other safety mechanisms may not offer adequate protection.

Additionally, street racing poses obvious dangers to others who may be out on the roads while the race is taking place. Innocent drivers and passengers who are simply trying to get home may be caught in the middle of a serious high-speed accident, just because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

After a car wreck, you may need to seek compensation from the liable party or an insurance company, especially if you believe reckless driving was a factor. To learn more about your options, speak with a skilled Atlanta auto accident lawyer at McMenamy Law LLC.