What does “Reckless Driving” Mean, and How can I Avoid It?
November 8, 2021
According to the United States Census Bureau, an average of one hundred people die daily in car accidents. It’s sobering data, especially when you realize that drivers could have avoided the majority of those deaths if they weren’t involved in reckless driving.
Further studies show that irresponsible driving plays a role in thirty-three percent of fatal car accidents, while nearly ninety percent of motorists polled drive recklessly. As a result, practically every driver engages in risky behavior at some point.
With 70% of drivers admitting to being distracted behind the wheel, distracted driving is by far the most widespread kind of dangerous driving today.
The sort of vehicle a person drives and the location in which they drive can have an impact. Specific sports car drivers, according to research, are the most likely to receive a ticket for recklessly driving.
If you live in Virginia, your odds increase. The state with the highest rate of irresponsible drivers (68.6 out of 10,000), which is 279 percent more than the national average, is Virginia.
The Governors Highway Safety Association discovered that when fewer people are on the road, drivers become more relaxed, speed more frequently, and drive more recklessly in general.
It is the responsibility of every driver to understand what constitutes driving recklessly and take steps to avoid harmful behavior whenever they get behind the wheel.
However, should you find yourself in trouble, contact a reckless driving attorney Fairfax VA immediately, before the rest of your life becomes affected by an unfortunate mistake.
Reckless Driving Examples
The most basic definition of reckless driving is driving in a manner that endangers life, limb, or property. Other examples of driving recklessly in Virginia include things like:
- Driving a vehicle that is not under control or with faulty brakes
- Racing with other drivers
- Passing on blind curves
- Passing at a railroad grade crossing
- Driving by school buses with their stop signs lowered
- Failing to give right of way or slowing down when approaching a vehicle displaying warning lights
- Driving too fast for current highway conditions
- Speeding at a high rate (20mph over the speed limit or over 85mph)
If you find yourself cited for doing any of these or the other varieties of reckless driving in Virginia, you must contact a reckless driving lawyer VA as soon as possible.
Facts and Laws Regarding Reckless Driving
What constitutes reckless driving varies by state, as it does with all driving rules. In many states, like in Virginia, reckless driving classification is a misdemeanor offense rather than a minor traffic infraction. In Virginia, most types of reckless driving are considered a Class 1 Misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a license suspension for up to 6 months. Likewise, if you get ticketed for driving recklessly, you should contact a Virginia traffic lawyer for help.
Driving at speeds greater than 85mph is considered reckless in Virginia. All reckless driving convictions result in 6 demerit points on your driving record in Virginia!
Anything other than following the regulations of the road should be considered reckless, according to the best rule of thumb. You should be alright if you drive as if you’re taking the license exam!
How a VA Traffic Lawyer Can Help
You should engage an expert traffic defense attorney to maximize the chances of escaping hefty charges. A traffic lawyer Fairfax VA at Rudolphi Law concentrates on assisting clients who’ve received a citation for traffic offenses and misdemeanors.
Your attorney can help reduce or dismiss the charge, save you as much money as feasible, and keep the charge from having a detrimental impact on your life. You should call us as quickly as possible if you are facing a reckless driving charge.