When a driver does not give the appropriate amount of attention to road conditions, weather, signs placed by the Department of Transportation and the basic laws and regulations of the road, they are considered to be a reckless driver. Someone who drives recklessly can commonly be identified by repeated speeding, stomping on brakes, weaving in and out of lanes, talking on their cell phone or otherwise disregarding traffic norms. This behavior has the potential to cause serious and potentially fatal auto accident.
Reckless Driving Has Serious Repercussions in Virginia
Every driver must be extremely careful to obey traffic laws and avoid accidents avoided to reckless driving at all costs, as they are preventable, may have tragic consequences and carry heavy legal consequences including astronomical fines and, potentially, jail time. If you ever receive a charge of this type, legal help is essential. To learn more about Virginia Reckless Driving Laws and Defending Against a Reckless Driving Charge, review our informational pages:
What Reckless Driving Behaviors Cause Dangerous Accidents?
When a driver loses focus or becomes angry behind the wheel, reckless driving behaviors are more likely to occur. Staying calm, focused and following the traffic safety laws that are in place are the best ways to prevent any accident related to reckless behavior. Some common reckless driving behaviors include:
- Tailgating
- Following another driver at an unsafely close distance to intimidate or harass them
- Not coming to full stops at indicated areas such as traffic lights and stop signs
- Going faster than the speed limit indicated in a given area
- Failure to make proper use of signals to indicate a turn or lane change
- Driving after using drugs or drinking alcohol
- Allowing oneself to be distracted from focus by texting, calling, the radio or chatting with friends
- Failure to use installed headlights when conditions deem them necessary
- Changing lines or turning illegally
- Other dangerous behaviors
If you have been charged with reckless driving, you’re not alone. Don’t let a single moment of your life determine your future – contact professional legal assistance.
Safety Tips to Avoid Reckless Driving Accidents
As their name implies, reckless driving accidents are preventable. There are ways that a driver and their passengers can behave that ensure that they will reach their destination safely. No driver wants to hurt or kill themselves or their passengers, and as such, keeping these safety tips in mind can help save precious lives.
Preventing Accidents
We have already established that following traffic laws is an essential part of avoiding the dangerous act of reckless driving. Aside from always trying to remain calm and focused, here are some additional ways to stay safe:
- Always follow seatbelt laws. Passengers who are belted in are far less likely to be hurt or killed in an auto collision. Before the ignition starts, make sure everyone is buckled up.
- Speeding because you’re late is very dangerous. You are already agitated, and your distraction will put your life and the lives of others in danger. Nothing is that important.
- The text, conversation or snack can wait til later, and so can the song on the radio. When you’re driving, be present mentally and have your eyes on the road at all times to assure that you are aware of your surroundings.
Be Mindful on the Road!
If you think that you are too exhausted, drunk, high or angry to drive, you are right. Any amount of distraction or inebriation is enough to cause a serious car accident, leading to a serious legal charge. Be aware of your actions at all times, but also know that you cannot prevent other drivers from behaving in reckless ways.
If you see a driver behaving unsafely, distance yourself from them. If you must, go around the block or turn off onto a side road until you are no longer traveling near them. Then, for your safety and the safety of others, report them to the police once you are safely parked.
