Illegal street racing and reckless driving are putting lives at risk, experts warn

Experts: speed alone isn’t always the problem

Master Drive CEO Eugene Herbert said South Africans have a long-standing passion for motoring and motorsport, with an appreciation for performance vehicles, driving skill and the excitement of speed and competition. He warned that illegal street racing and reckless driving create enormous risks because there are no safety protocols, no controlled environments and no protection for innocent road users.

Herbert drew a clear distinction between dangerous, unsanctioned activity on public roads and organised motorsport. He said South Africa has racetracks and sanctioned events where enthusiasts can safely and legally enjoy high-performance driving under controlled conditions, and that those environments include strict safety measures, trained officials and emergency support systems to manage risks.

“Illegal street racing and reckless driving create enormous risks because there are no safety protocols, no controlled environments and no protection for innocent road users.”

Promoters push for regulated alternatives

Narina Naidoo, founder of the Global Female Movement and a drag-racing promoter, said safety is paramount when organising events. She said she launched Wicked Wednesday Night in Brakpan 10 years ago to help reduce illegal street racing by offering a safe and secure environment for competitors and spectators.

Naidoo told organisers charge a modest fee to support the event: the entry fee is R20. She said the initiative aims to create jobs, foster a culture of safe entertainment and promote participant well-being and spectator confidence.

“It directly impacts the event’s reputation, part of the reason I started Wicked Wednesday Night in Brakpan 10 years ago to try and reduce illegal street racing by providing a safe and secure environment.”

Where to from here?

Both Herbert and Naidoo emphasised channelling the public’s enthusiasm for motoring into regulated settings where safety is prioritised. MasterDrive strongly supports activities that channel enthusiasm for driving into safer, regulated environments, Herbert said, aligning with a broader goal of promoting safer driving behaviour while recognising the enjoyment many people derive from motoring culture.

Their comments underline a common message: while speed and performance attract many South Africans to motoring, the inappropriate and injudicious use of speed on public roads places lives at unnecessary risk.