DRAG-RACE DANGER TO GET MORE PUBLICITY.

Byline: James Nash Staff Writer

Los Angeles police and city officials have fought illegal drag racing by crushing cars, fining spectators and adding speed bumps along routes frequented by racers.

Now they're trying another strategy: educating high school and college students about the dangers of illegal races.

On Tuesday, Los Angeles police commissioners approved a new partnership between the Los Angeles Police Department and high schools and colleges to explain the dangers of drag racing to students in person and via the Internet, public-service announcements and in brochures at custom-car businesses.

The stepped-up campaign against street racing targets the San Fernando Valley, where eight people died in races during the first 10 months of the year. Some East Valley streets, such as Glenoaks Boulevard, have been popular among drag racers since the 1960s.

``We feel this program will go far toward eradicating the illegal street racing in this area,'' said Capt. Chris Pitcher of the North Hollywood division.

``(Racers) come from all over the place. It's an activity that's bolstered by the (Internet). It has a vast draw from all over the Southern California region.''

Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who has been fighting drag racing in her East Valley district, said police have eliminated most of the larger and organized races that plagued many streets at night. But many thrill seekers, particularly teenagers, continue to engage in spontaneous races, Greuel said.

``We need to do a better job of educating those young people that street racing kills,'' Greuel said. ``If you bring in a car (to school) that has been smashed in a street race and you tell (students) that a kid died in a street race, it makes it real.''

Pitcher said police will reach out to all 32 public and private high schools in the Valley, as well as to California State University, Northridge, and three colleges. Some aspects of the educational program already are under way, while the full program will be rolled out in time for graduation, in May and June, Pitcher said.

James Nash, [phone]

james.nash(at)dailynews.com