City Councilwoman Expresses Frustration as ‘Slideshows’ Continue to Frustrate Locals
‘Slideshows’ become a Nuisance to Residents and Law Enforcement
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Residents are left exasperated and a city councilwoman expresses frustration as more reports of drivers blocking main thoroughfares for ‘slideshows’ come to light. The risky act of performing ‘slideshows’, where drivers pivot their cars around open flames or congested traffic, has become a contentious issue in the city.
A rush of videos showcasing the reality of these reckless driving acts and the municipality’s attempts to curb them paint a concerning picture. ‘Slideshows’ and illegal drag racing have invited the ire of city officials and residents alike. Furthermore, the city council has been holding public safety committee meetings led by local police department leaders to address and curtail these incidents.
A City in Dire Need of Solutions
Memphis City Councilwoman for District 2, Jerri Green, expresses her disappointment in the city’s ongoing struggle with this issue. “I think it is unfortunate that these incidents keep happening. I know it is frustrating for the men and women on the frontlines. And I would just like for us to look at other jurisdictions and find real solutions and put that plan into place,” Green stated.
Councilwoman Green believes that rigid policy changes are needed to address the situation, especially focusing on police’s ability to stop these occurrences at the root, before they escalate into dangerous slideshows.
Enforcement Efforts and Results
Prior reports show that local police had arrested 110 adults involved in illegal drag racing and related reckless driving between January to March 2024. This is noted as a slight drop from the same period last year, despite the number seeming almost negligible.
Police leaders attribute this dip to their ongoing “Slow Down Memphis” project, where police are engaged with a partner agency, the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The project’s strategy revolves around proactive response measures and leveraging surveillance footage to identify possible instances of reckless driving.
Facing the Future
Proposals for stricter penalties are currently under consideration. Presently, a bill is on the Governor’s desk awaiting approval that could upgrade the penalty for drag racing from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. Alongside this, lawmakers are also drafting an ordinance to hold cars involved in such activities for 20 days.
However, City Council appears to be in the dark about these new efforts as Councilwoman Green says they have yet to see a proposal for this project. While all stakeholders hope for swift action, it seems that the wheel of bureaucracy isn’t moving just quickly enough.
Call for Action
As the week begins, the city and its denizens continue to grapple with these unsafe ‘slideshows’, hoping for stricter policies and stronger enforcement to finally put a halt to the reckless driving. Councilwoman Green, along with many others, remain adamant that changes must come soon before the situation further deteriorates.
