The police’s online patrol has recently received several tips about videos of reckless driving that are shared on social media. One of those who share videos is “Preben”. He is in his early 20s and actually has a different name, but wants to remain anonymous so as not to be recognized by the police. Part of a car community The videos are posted to entertain others with the same passion for cars. In several places on social media, there are videos of people driving at speeds over 300 km/h. The cars are fast and expensive. “Preben” says it is not unusual for the cars in the environment he belongs to to cost around NOK 1.5 million. – It’s a cool atmosphere when we cheer each other on and give cool comments and the like, he says. “Preben” is part of a car environment in Eastern Norway. He says they gather in groups of over 500 who park in a circle, play with the car and are social. He is calling for more areas where car enthusiasts can drive legally. PASSION: Cars are “Preben’s” great passion. Photo: Vegard Unger Ellefsen / news Adrenalin He describes that driving fast gives an adrenaline rush that he doesn’t get anywhere else, even if it can mean that life hangs in the balance. – When you are first stupid enough to drive that fast, you do it at least at 04:00 at night when you are alone. Should it go wrong, it’s only me that gets the better of me, and maybe a car guard, says “Preben”. Driving late at night is also an attempt to avoid the police. – Most people think that as long as you don’t get caught, it’s legal. – Do you think so? – Yes absolutely. – Do you think twice about encouraging young people to drive fast? – I keep it a little in the back of my mind, but in the end I don’t think what I share will be decisive for whether a boy with a driver’s license drives fast or not. He says more people who see the videos are young people who don’t have the note themselves. – There are also comments that suggest that this could end in negligent homicide. Many say they also report it to the police, but most pat you on the back and say it’s tough, says “Preben”. According to the police, it is a criminal offense to encourage people to drive faster or to race. Concern Recently, a man in Rogaland was sentenced to prison for a year and a half for driving at almost 300 kilometers per hour on a motorcycle. The rough driving worries traffic coordinator Henning Ødegaard Johansen in the South-East police district. – The risk is so great that you will be seriously injured or killed in traffic, should this go wrong. This is not worth it, he says. The typical driver is like “Preben”, a man aged 20-25, who can afford to buy a car with a big engine. CONCERN: Think about the danger you expose yourself and others to if you step too hard on the gas pedal, is the call from traffic coordinator Henning Ødegaard Johansen in the police. Photo: Herman Omland / news Sometimes the police know in advance which roads it is planned to drive fast on. Then they send out a civilian car with a camera. – We have taken some cars because of that. Often, the drivers have tried to hide their registration number, or have taken steps to avoid being recognized on the videos. But they do not always succeed in being anonymous. – Enormous powers The police have contacted young car owners after hearing about videos of reckless driving. If they are caught, there will be consequences. – They will be reported, fined and have their driving license temporarily confiscated as well as a confiscation period on the driving licence, says Johansen. Roar Kristensen in Norsk Motor Klubb Larvik became familiar with high speeds when he drove rallycross when he was younger. He says it is madness to drive at 300 km/h on public roads. – You get tunnel vision after 140 km/h. After that, most people have big problems. If you hit something at that speed, you will be crushed, he says. Kristensen believes there should also be more arenas for young people who want to drive under controlled conditions. – You often have to go far away. I hope the municipalities will work to get the young people on track and not on the roads, he says. FAST: Roar Kristensen has driven fast on the track for many years. He is alarmed to see young people driving at high speeds on public roads. Photo: Martin Torstveit / news
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The police fear fatal accidents as a result of videos of rough driving – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
