Perilous Stunts on the Road: The Alarming Rise of "Car Surfing" in Michigan

In a concerning trend, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office in Southeast Michigan has reported a surge in incidents involving "car surfing," a dangerous social media-fueled activity where individuals ride on the exterior of moving vehicles. The sheriff's office has responded to multiple incidents, each with harrowing consequences, underscoring the urgent need to address this reckless behavior and protect the safety of the community.

Thrill-Seeking Stunts Putting Lives at Risk

Alarming Incidents Across Macomb County

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office has responded to three separate incidents of "car surfing" in recent months, each with devastating outcomes. In one incident, a juvenile fell from the top of a 2012 Kia Optima, sustaining a head laceration and multiple abrasions. In another, a juvenile fell from the back of a Ford Escape, suffering a skull fracture and brain bleed. The most recent incident involved a juvenile falling from the roof of a 2017 Dodge Challenger.

These incidents highlight the grave dangers associated with "car surfing." The participants, often driven by a desire for thrills and social media attention, fail to recognize the immense risks they are taking. When they become "projectiles" hitting the pavement at speeds of 30-50 miles per hour, their bodies simply cannot withstand the trauma, as Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham aptly stated.

The reckless actions of the drivers involved in these incidents have also been a significant factor. Charged with offenses ranging from reckless driving to operating while intoxicated, these individuals have demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of their passengers and the general public.

The Legal Consequences of "Car Surfing"

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office has made it clear that "car surfing" will not be tolerated, and those who engage in this dangerous activity will face severe legal consequences. Drivers can be charged with a range of offenses, including reckless driving, various seatbelt violations, permitting a person to hang on or attach themselves to the outside of a vehicle, and reckless endangerment. The individuals riding on the exterior of the vehicle can also be charged with the offense of "person hung on/attached themselves to the outside of a vehicle."

These charges not only carry significant fines and potential jail time but also have the potential to result in more severe consequences, such as vehicular assault or even vehicular homicide, should the incidents lead to serious injury or loss of life. The legal system is taking a firm stance, recognizing the grave threat that "car surfing" poses to the community.

The Urgent Need for Awareness and Education

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office has emphasized the importance of raising awareness and educating the public about the dangers of "car surfing." Sheriff Wickersham has stated that the participants in these incidents "do not seem to realize" the devastating impact their actions can have, highlighting the need for a concerted effort to address this issue.

By sharing these harrowing stories and the potential legal consequences, the sheriff's office aims to deter individuals from engaging in this reckless behavior and encourage responsible decision-making. The goal is to work together with the community to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

As the trend of "car surfing" continues to gain traction, particularly among younger individuals, the need for proactive measures to address this issue becomes increasingly urgent. The Macomb County Sheriff's Office is leading the charge, but the responsibility to keep our communities safe lies with all of us. By raising awareness, promoting education, and fostering a culture of responsible behavior on our roads, we can work to prevent these senseless and preventable incidents from occurring.