MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Three children have been injured while trying to sit on moving cars, or “car surf,” in Macomb County, and three young drivers are in trouble for what happened.
New Haven
Macomb County deputies were called June 21, 2024, to a parking lot in the 59000 block of Gratiot Avenue in New Haven.
A child had fallen from the roof of a 2012 Kia Optima, which was driven by another child.
The driver admitted that he or she thought it would be fun to drive around with a friend on the roof of the car, police said.
Officials took the injured child to a nearby hospital with a cut on the head and multiple abrasions.
The driver was charged with reckless driving.
Macomb Township
Deputies were called Friday, July 19, to Iroquois Middle School in Macomb Township for a similar case.
A child had been riding on the back of a moving Ford Escape when they fell off and were injured. Officials said they had a skull fracture and brain bleed, but they’re currently stable.
Another child had been driving the SUV around the parking lot of the school, police said. That child was taken into custody for operating while intoxicated causing serious injury and reckless driving.
Washington Township
Deputies were called Sunday to Romeo High School in Washington Township for another “car surfing” injury.
A child fell off the roof of a 2017 Dodger Challenger, which was driven by another child in the parking lot of the school.
The driver admitted to driving while his friends were “car surfing,” police said. He was cited for reckless driving.
The child who fell off the car had injuries to his head and ear. He was taken to a hospital, where he’s stable.
What is car surfing?
Officials from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office said car surfing is a social media challenge and trend. The car surfer rides on the outside of a moving car while someone else drives.
“These participants do not seem to realize that they become projectiles, hitting cement or asphalt at 30-50 mph,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said. “No matter what condition these individuals are in, their bodies are just not designed to take that much trauma.”
Police encouraged the community to speak out against car surfing and educate others. They said to be aware of the dangers of peer pressure and remember that life is precious.
Drivers caught participating in car surfing can face charges such as reckless driving, reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, and more.
People riding on top of cars can also face charges, police said.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities,” Wickersham said. “Please stay safe, make responsible choices, and encourage others to do the same. We need to work together to prevent further tragedies.”