Fort Worth Police say they are doing everything in their power to tackle speeding, reckless driving and street racing issues that continue to be frequent complaints to the department, according to a recent report to the City Council.

By the numbers: Between November 2022 and April, police issued 12,932 traffic citations, including 1,690 for school zone violations, the report said.

• In addition, 61 fatal car accidents occurred, including 21 incidents involving pedestrians.

What they’re saying: To encourage safer driving, Assistant Police Chief Robert Alldredge said police have ramped up their presence in the areas where speeding complaints and accidents are frequent. They are also using radar trailers and vacant marked patrol cars to help slow traffic.

In the same six-month span, people reported 1,074 incidents of street racing or street takeovers across the city. Many of the calls were about reckless motorists “hot rodding,” or driving vehicles with loud engines, were screeching their tires or accelerating too quickly.

Why it matters: Street takeovers pose a serious problem because they block police and other emergency vehicles.

During street takeovers, drivers perform dangerous and daring stunts like donuts as hundreds of onlookers stand by. These takeovers obstruct an entire street or intersection.

What's next: Alldredge expressed optimism that lawmakers in Austin will give their approval to legislation this session aimed at bolstering laws for police dealing with organized street racing and street takeovers.

• The City Council passed an ordinance two years ago that fines spectators at street races $500 just for being there.

“One of the greatest resources we have, in all honesty, is the spectator ordinance,” Alldredge said. “We’ve been able to make quite a few arrests on that. Not only can we arrest them, but if they’re in a vehicle, we will tow their cars and make it inconvenient for them.”

To better address street racing, police want to:

• Place additional traffic cameras in areas where the activity is frequent.
• Use mobile speed radars and license plate readers in these same areas.
• Educate drivers about the hazards of street racing and takeovers.
• Work with other law enforcement agencies in the region to develop effective strategies.