As with anything risky/dangerous you need to be smart about it if your going to do it. Don't risk other lives by taking passengers or racing in areas in which other traffic may become involved during the race. I never race in groups anymore, it's way too dangerous. People have been street racing for eons and a lot of people have died doing it. The key is to not involve innocent people if your willing to risk your life. If a rock climber falls doing what he loves it should be no big deal... unless he lands on family out camping.