Photo: Thomas Winz / Photodisc / Getty Images
Orlando, FL - A 17-year-old driver was recently apprehended for allegedly driving at 141 mph on State Road 408, more than double the posted speed limit.
As reported by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the incident involved a BMW M550i clocked at more than double the posted 60 mph speed limit.
The young driver was subsequently arrested and transported to the Orange County Juvenile Detention Center.
FHP emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, "In Florida, the speed limit NEVER exceeds 70 mph. Slow down!"
This event is part of a troubling trend of excessive speeding in the region.
Earlier this week, the Orange County Sheriff's Office released footage of another driver allegedly traveling at 129 mph in a 70 mph zone.
In January alone, deputies issued 101 citations to drivers exceeding 100 mph, marking the highest monthly total since 2020.
Traffic Safety Expert Trooper Steve noted a surge in such incidents since the pandemic, observing, "We saw speed that we had never seen before on such a regular basis out here whether it’s 417 or I-4. People doing 100 miles an hour all the time."
Orange County Sheriff John Mina is advocating for stricter penalties to combat this dangerous behavior.
He proposes that extreme speeding offenses be treated with the same gravity as reckless driving, including vehicle impoundment for those attempting to evade law enforcement.
Under Sheriff Mina's proposed legislation, first-time offenders could face a $2,500 fine, a six-month license suspension, a mandatory court appearance, and a 30-day vehicle impoundment.
Repeat offenders might see fines increase to $5,000 and a one-year license suspension.