The Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development, in collaboration with Street Racing Kills and county partner agencies, has launched a new public service announcement to curb the rise of illegal street racing and takeovers.

“Taking a youth-centric approach has helped us to be more effective in our prevention efforts,” said David J. Carroll, director of the L.A. County Department of Youth Development. “By listening directly to youth, we learned the most impactful message was the long-term pain of survivor’s guilt and the reality of facing the justice system – beyond the danger of the crash itself. This story belongs to our community, and it’s told in a way that youth told us would hit home.”

The video centers on the harrowing true story of a young Los Angeles resident whose life changed after a racing crash claimed the lives of his three closest friends. Following the tragedy, the survivor faced criminal prosecution and now uses his experience to warn others. The central theme, “Street Racing Kills-It’s Just Not Worth It,” reflects the devastating legal and emotional aftermath of a single split-second decision.

The PSA was developed through a co-creation process involving feedback from young people in Heart of Youth Justice Reimagined programs across L.A. County. Their insights ensured the messaging avoided clichés and instead focused on the authentic consequences that resonate with their peers.

“After losing my daughter Valentina to street racing, I made a promise that I would do everything I could to prevent another family from going through this pain,” said Lili Trujillo Puckett, founder and executive director of Street Racing Kills. “Young people told us they wanted honesty, and that’s what this PSA delivers. In a matter of seconds, lives can be lost, futures can change and families can be shattered. It’s just not worth it.”

The release of the PSA comes as the L.A. County Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup – formed by the board of supervisors in 2024 – continues to report success in multi-agency coordination. Since its inception, the workgroup has integrated enforcement, engineering and education to drastically reduce illegal exhibitions in high-risk areas.

The campaign is featured on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. It is supported by the California Highway Patrol, L.A. County District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Department of Public Works. For information, visit streetracingkills.org.