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New Legislation Aims to Curb Street Racing and “Hooning” in Dayton

DAYTON — Rob Eller, an eyewitness to years of reckless “hooning” and street racing along James H. McGee Boulevard, is hopeful that proposed state legislation aimed at curbing such unruly behavior will successfully pass and be signed by the governor.

Eller, speaking to News Center 7’s Brandon Lewis, expressed his concerns, stating, “I don’t want to be a victim of that. They think they know what they’re doing. Take it to a racetrack.”

The recently introduced House Bill 56, co-sponsored by state Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Andrea White (R-Kettering), seeks to punish individuals engaged in street racing or “hooning.”

The bill, which was passed by the Ohio House on Wednesday night, aims to prohibit street takeovers and reckless driving on both public and private properties accessible to the public. Now, the Ohio Senate will consider the legislation, which includes penalties such as jail time, fines, license suspension, and vehicle seizure.

For Eller, the potential impact of this legislation is crucial. He emphasized, “It’s a shame they have to drive that fast. Driving fast is not worth taking your life—or anyone else’s.”

“Hooning” is a term commonly used in Australia and New Zealand to describe deliberately reckless or dangerous driving with the intention of provoking reactions from observers. This behavior often includes speeding, burnouts, screeching tires, and performing donuts, as defined by sources such as the Oxford Dictionary and Wikipedia.

Eller, a resident of McGee Boulevard for over 16 years, has witnessed non-stop street racing, particularly during the spring and summer months. While the activity slows down in winter, it persists throughout the year.

He described the vehicles involved as “mostly Dodge Chargers or Challengers” and expressed concern about the safety implications of these races, stating, “I can look out… and they’re neck and neck with each other.”

Eller believes that the primary issue lies in safety, and he advocates for designated areas where individuals can engage in “hooning” and street racing under controlled conditions.

This proposed legislation comes in response to growing concerns from residents and lawmakers alike, who have witnessed the increasing prevalence of illegal street racing and its associated dangers. By cracking down on street racing and “hooning,” lawmakers hope to prioritize public safety and discourage such reckless behavior.

The passing of House Bill 56 would serve as a significant step towards ensuring that the streets of Dayton are safer for both drivers and pedestrians.

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