Illegal Racers Turn Hanna Road Into High-Speed Track

Osaka police have apprehended or referred 38 individuals aged between 20 to 40 in connection with suspected dangerous group driving and other offenses on Hanna Road. The crackdown, which lasted for approximately one month starting from August of the previous year, followed years of enforcement efforts to curb illegal street racing on the mountainous route connecting Daito and Nara.

The suspects allegedly treated ordinary public roads in Osaka Prefecture as a racing circuit, driving in groups at high speeds without adhering to traffic rules. Footage released by the Osaka Prefectural Police showed vehicles speeding along a two-lane section of the road, seemingly ignoring the center line. The issue of street racing on Hanna Road has persisted for decades, with fatal accidents occurring repeatedly and police crackdowns often followed by the racers' return.

Residents living near the road have expressed their concerns, with one resident stating that the noise from the racing continues until around 2 a.m., while another mentioned that the disturbance may simply reflect people becoming accustomed to it. The speed limit on Hanna Road is 40 kilometers per hour, but witnesses reported motorcycles traveling at speeds of up to 170 kilometers per hour.

One racer claimed to drive at high speeds as a means to relieve stress, acknowledging the nuisance caused by the noise to nearby residential areas. A criminal psychology specialist explained that despite the fear of being caught by the police, the perceived consequences may not always be severe enough to deter the offenders. Authorities continue to struggle with catching the racers, as they often reduce their speed upon sighting a patrol car.

The pursuit of speed, excitement, and stress relief has proven difficult to eliminate, leaving residents to endure the noise and risk of serious accidents.