Amarillo Police are warning drivers that not only is racing on Interstate 40 illegal, it is life threatening. Over the weekend, the Amarillo Police Department was dispatched to an accident on I-40. APD was informed that two vehicles had been racing along the interstate and both drivers lost control of their vehicles.

The incident occurred in the 3400 block of West I-40 near the Julian Boulevard / Paramount Boulevard overpass. According to our news partners at ABC 7, a truck driven by a 19-year-old man, lost control and left the highway striking several trees and caught fire. The driver was taken to the hospital and later listed in critical condition. The other vehicle, a small sedan, also lost control and left the highway. This driver fled the scene before officers arrived. It is believed that alcohol, no seat belts, and speed are all factors in the crash.

"APD would like to remind everyone that not only is racing on our city streets and highways unsafe, it is against the law. With the amount of car and pedestrian traffic in our city, we cannot have drivers racing through town putting themselves or anyone else in danger. If you do feel the need for that much speed, there are events and locations set up throughout the year for drivers to do so. This incident also brings up concern for underage drinking. Everyone needs to know that there are other options out there besides getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. There is never a good reason to chance your life or the life of someone else by driving while intoxicated. There are several ride services in town that are much more affordable than a DWI. APD hopes that everyone has a safe weekend."

APD is still searching for the driver who fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact Amarillo Police.

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