THE head of the Garda Traffic Corps in Donegal yesterday (Thursday) warned boy racers who perform irresponsible and potentially lethal driving stunts they face going to jail.
Speaking to the Donegal News Inspector Pat O'Donnell warned that a crackdown on the dangerous antics of boy racers would be stepped up in the coming weeks.
Fresh brake marks, doughnuts, wheelies and other signs - even the smell of burning rubber - all testify to the presence of young drivers in souped up cars on the roads of Donegal.
Inspector O'Donnell called on parents of young drivers, both male and female, who were concerned about their driving habits to ring their local Garda Station.
"If they believe that their children might be driving in a reckless, dangerous manner they should giver us a call and we might be able to do something before it is too late," he said.
Boy racers have become a dangerous nuisance in public car parks, roads, junctions and housing estates all over the county.
Statistically, as males, the boy racer is three times more likely to die in a car accident than a female, according to the National Roads Authority, which maintains accident records gathered by the police.
Male drivers aged between 18 and 24 are 10 times more likely to die in a road accident than a female. Over a third of all fatal incidents on Irish roads are classified as YDAs, or Young Driver Accidents.
"There are similar statistics for Donegal. The boy racer is an ongoing problem. It is well known who they are and it they are observed transgressing the law they are brought before the court.
"It is not just their speeding which is of concern. These people are treating the roads like a playground. It must be remembered that they're effectively driving a tin box, some of which aren't fit to be on the road in the first place, at speeds in excess of 100mph in some cases. There can only be one outcome if these vehicles are involved in an accident," he warned.
"There is a question of speed, coupled with inexperience, in a vehicle which may not have been built to travel as such speeds. Put together you have a serious cocktail.
"I would call on parents and other responsible adults to highlight the actions of boy racers on the roads of Donegal. It can help save lives," Inspector O'Donnell said.
Earlier this week, Judge John O'Hagan rapped the antics of boy racers. Speaking at Letterkenny Circuit Court, Judge O'Hagan said it was 'common knowledge' that young motorists were openly inviting other drivers to join them in races on Donegal's roads.
The judge said the races were being organised by young motorists who display a 'for sale' sign and associated phone number of the sides of their 'modified' cars. He said this was an invitation to race.
Judge O'Hagan's comments came after a Garda gave evidence during an appeal case of how he observed two cars being driven at speeds of 166kph and 145 kph at night in Drumkeen.
He fined the defendant in the appeal ¤2,000 and disqualified him from driving for six months.
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