RaceLegal

We at RaceLegal.com are often asked, “Why is it that high-risk illegal street racing behavior is so widespread and predominantly an adolescent male based activity?”

Over the years we have asked that very question of our constituency and the answers have been consistent in terms of categorization. Our predominately young male participants mention that they “enjoy taking risks and living dangerously,” especially in the company of friends and acquaintances; their “admiration of others who take risks” – especially if they succeed; the “excitement” of occasionally running from law enforcement and/or a near crash; the “thrill of competition,” “high stakes wagering;” “something to do” on any given night; the “low risk of being apprehended” and an attitude that a crash and/or apprehension simply “won’t happen to me.” The characterization of these answers would indicate that these young men are members of an automobile based “social culture” of thrill seekers more than willing to risk life and limb in the pursuit of an illegal competition that results in personal satisfaction and peer admiration. It seems that there is total disregard for the downside consequences of a crash that has deadly potential for them, as well as innocent bystanders. Can it be that simple? Surely there’s more.

For example, is gender difference really hard wired as it relates to risk taking? The modern science of gene mapping and brain imaging would say yes. Contemporary thinking subscribes to the notion that gender related risk taking is real, biologically programmed and relevant in terms of predictable behavior. This theory purports that there is a predisposition for risk taking that is biologically programmed and then amplified and exaggerated by society.

Many researchers are also of the opinion that risky and dangerous activities (i.e. illegal street racing) trigger a “flight or fight” response favored by many young men. It gives them a tingle, a high, an excitement that many young men find irresistible. It’s the very essence of living life dangerously. Risk taking for these young males is for its own sake, the thrill of the risk is paramount. And, it’s more likely to take place in the presence of other young males. Simply stated, “It’s a guy thing.”