|  | Public Health Safety | Driving Safely

What Are the Dangers of Joy Rides?

Joy riding involves temporarily stealing an automobile and then driving it for the pure buzz of doing so -- before dumping the vehicle. Joy riding isn’t actually theft of a vehicle, but it’s still a serious problem. Since joy riders are typically reckless and drive at high speeds, they are in danger of harming themselves as well as others. Joy riders are also in danger of punishment by the law.

  1. Danger to Non-Motorists

    • Joy riders are a danger to pedestrians and other non-motorists since they’re less likely to adhere to speed limits. Driving at high speeds increases the time it takes to stop to avoid hitting a pedestrian and the chance of causing a fatality in the impact. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration figures, some 4,872 non-motorists were killed in automobile accidents in 2009; reckless joy riding contributes to these figures. The Deadly Roads website highlights the self-preservation instinct practiced by joy riders as a major factor in causing hit-and-run incidents.

    Other Motorists

    • Since joy riders are traveling at higher than average speeds and often have little regard for the rules of the road, they can often be involved in automobile crashes that endanger the lives of other motorists. Another factor leading to joy rider vehicle accidents is that the offenders may be young or otherwise unlicensed and therefore unaware of road safety issues. Not only are other motorists threatened by joy riders, but the offenders themselves can be injured or killed as a result of their actions.

    Police Chases

    • When the police find out about joy riders, they set off in pursuit of these offenders. In situations where the offenders are trying to escape being caught by the police, a high speed chase often ensues. Driving especially recklessly to get away from the cops, joy riders put themselves in more danger than usual and may drive off the road or into obstacles such as trees or walls. The implications of such reckless driving are obvious.

    Leads to Other Offences

    • Taking a car for a joy ride is one offense, but individuals who steal cars for this purpose also run the risk of committing other related offenses. Speeding and reckless driving are two common crimes, while a joy rider could also cause damage to property or, in the case of a hit-and-run incident, be guilty of leaving a crime scene. When the police catch up with offenders, joy riders may be additionally charged with driving without a license or insurance.

    Trouble with Law

    • Joy riding is termed a misdemeanor offense, but it should be noted that joy riding can lead to other, more serious offenses, such as property destruction. The penalties for joy riding vary by state; in Utah for example, joy riding for over 24 hours can result in up to five years in prison while in Michigan, the crime is a high court misdemeanor and carries a maximum two-year sentence.

Driving Safely - Related Articles