When it comes to reckless driving, most people know it’s something bad, but why? Let’s talk about reckless driving and the effects it can have on you, other drivers, your auto insurance, and more!
What is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is a serious moving violation that involves operating a motor vehicle with disregard for the safety of other drivers and property. A police officer can pull you over or “stop” you solely for the cause of reckless driving. You can also be arrested. Although the definition of reckless driving can vary by state, many violations are deemed inherently reckless.
Why is Reckless Driving Dangerous?
Reckless driving is dangerous because it can lead to a collision with other vehicles, property, pedestrians, and cyclists. Driving recklessly can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, which can cause a rollover accident or another type of accident. Reckless driving can also lead to road rage incidents, which can result in other acts of violence.
What Are Some Examples of Reckless Driving?
Since reckless driving is a broad term that includes different things, we’ve provided a few examples of reckless driving, which can include the following:
- Neglecting to Stop at Stop Signs and Red Lights: Neglecting to stop at a stop sign or a red light is dangerous and can cause you or other drivers to become injured. Running red lights and failing to stop at stop signs can also get you in trouble with authorities, and you could receive a reckless driving charge.
- Driving the Wrong Way Down a Street/Road: Driving the wrong way down a road can lead to a fatal head-on collision. Make sure you’re alert and paying attention to road and traffic signs.
- Street Racing: Willfully engaging in street racing with other vehicles on public roads can cause serious injuries and get you a ticket for reckless driving. Your driver’s license can also be suspended.
- Driving On Sidewalks or Through Crowds: Motor vehicles are to be driven on streets, not sidewalks, and definitely not through crowds. Engaging in any of these instances is a guaranteed way to get a reckless driving charge.
- Swerving Across Multiple Lanes: Weaving or merging in and out of traffic or swerving across multiple lanes of traffic is unacceptable. Engaging in this type of activity can cause accidents that result in serious or fatal injuries. If you need to switch traffic lanes, make sure you’re using the appropriate turn signal.
- Driving at Excessive Speeds: if you’re operating a motor vehicle at excessive speeds, this means you’re traveling at least 25 mph over the posted speed limit. Speeding is a bad idea in general, but driving at excessive speeds is a more serious traffic violation because of the safety risks that are involved.
What Are the Impacts of Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving has different negative impacts and can take a variety of forms, each that comes with serious consequences. The following are different impacts of reckless driving:
Traffic Accidents and Fatalities
Reckless driving tremendously increases the risk of being involved in an auto accident, which can result in severe injuries and even fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that in 2020, over 10,000 lives were lost as a result of speeding, which is a common form of reckless driving.
Severe Injuries
If you’re driving recklessly or the victim of reckless driving, you could sustain severe injuries, which can include spinal cord injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other severe injuries. Over 9,000 annual deaths in the U.S. are due to speeding.
Long-Term Psychological Effects of Reckless Driving
If you are involved in a reckless driving accident, you may experience long-term psychological effects, such as the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Economic Costs of Reckless Driving
Did you know reckless driving can have an economic impact that affects you and other drivers? This economic impact goes beyond direct expenses. Reckless driving has direct and incidental costs, such as the following:
- Direct Expenses
- Legal fees
- Vehicle repairs
- Medical bills
- Incidental Costs
- Traffic congestion and delays
- Increased auto insurance premiums
- Lost productivity due to injuries
Are There Prevention and Mitigation Strategies for Reckless Driving?
Different efforts states put in place to mitigate the risks associated with reckless driving include the following:
- Legal repercussions
- Educational initiatives
- Technological advancements (in safety)
These strategies are used to discourage dangerous driving behaviors, such as reckless driving, and minimize the recurrence of auto accidents.
Legal Consequences
As far as legal ramifications go, all states impose fines and imprisonment time for reckless driving offenses. The legal consequences will vary depending on the number of times the driver has been convicted of reckless driving and the severity of reckless driving. For instance, a first-time offender could receive up to 1 year in jail and be required to pay a fine of up to $2,500.
Multiple reckless driving offenses can result in a driver’s license being suspended or revoked, which will prohibit them from operating a motor vehicle under any circumstances. For instance, in California, drivers who are convicted of reckless driving can have their driver’s license suspended for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 6 months for their first offense.
Is There a Link Between a Driver’s Mental Health and Reckless Driving?
Studies reveal that there are a few different links between an individual’s mental health and reckless driving.
Narcissism and Aggressive Driving
Narcissistic traits, including lack of empathy, entitlement, and the belief that they don’t have to follow the same rules as other drivers have been linked to different aggressive driving behaviors, such as reckless driving. Other aggressive driving behaviors may include tailgating, blocking other drivers, and speeding. More than 45% of driving fatalities are associated with aggressive driving.
Depression and Reckless Driving
Individuals who have depression may engage in different types of reckless behavior, including dangerous driving. Frustration and reckless driving when accompanied by depression can be an indication of suicidal tendencies.
PTSD and Reckless Behavior
For individuals who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), risky and reckless driving behaviors, such as drunk driving, are common. Engaging in these risky behaviors can cause an individual to experience more trauma or stress, and worsen their PTSD symptoms.
Road Rage and Mental Health
Aggressive driving, such as road rage, can impact a driver’s mental health. Excessive or prolonged anger and stress from road rage can contribute to depression and anxiety disorders. In addition to mental health issues, physical health issues, such as high blood pressure can become an issue.
What Are the Classifications of Reckless Driving?
There are different classifications of reckless driving. If you are cited for reckless driving, this means you showed a disregard for traffic rules, which may have resulted in an auto accident or property damage. The following are the most common types of reckless driving:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving occurs when you divert your attention from the road to something else, such as your phone to text or answer a phone call. Distracted driving is the most common type of reckless driving.
- Disregarding Traffic Laws: It’s easier than you think to ignore traffic laws. Running red lights or stop signs are both forms of disregarding traffic laws, which could lead to a reckless driving citation. Disregarding traffic laws is dangerous because these laws were created to protect drivers and pedestrians.
- Street Racing: You may get a street racing citation if you’re racing your motor vehicle on public roads or private property. Street racing is dangerous because it poses a tremendous risk of injury to everyone involved.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving is an umbrella term for different aggressive driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding, tailgating, and aggressive lane changing.
- Speeding: You’re speeding if you’re driving significantly above the speed limit, such as 25 mph over the posted speed limit. Speeding is dangerous because it endangers other drivers on the road and violates standard traffic safety norms.
What Factors Are Considered in Cases That Involve Reckless Driving?
When it comes to reckless driving, the severity and penalties for these cases depend on the unique circumstances of each case. The following are some of the factors that can be used to determine if a driver’s conduct constitutes reckless driving:
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions play a significant role in determining if a driver’s behavior poses a risk to other drivers or the property of other people. When inclement weather occurs, such as icy roads, heavy rain, and strong winds, drivers must decrease their speed and be more cautious while driving. In good weather conditions, such as a sunny, dry day, drivers may be able to use this factor to their advantage when they argue that they exhibited safe driving practices.
Traffic Conditions
Traffic conditions are another factor that plays a part in a driver’s safety assessment. If there’s a lot of traffic, there’s congestion on the road, which means drivers must remain alert and focused on the road to prevent accidents.
If vehicle speeds are high, such as driving on the highway, drivers must be more vigilant than they would if they were driving on a residential or city street. However, if you’re driving on a country road, and there aren’t a lot of other drivers, a judge may be willing to grant you more leeway and have less severe penalties.
Geographic Features
The geographic features of the roadway are also considered. For example, roads that have many curves increase the risks associated with speeding due to the limited visibility and the possibility of losing traction. Terrain that has a lot of hills can also make it difficult to determine what’s waiting ahead.
Pedestrian Traffic
If your driving conduct ever comes into question, pedestrian traffic will likely be a determining factor in your traffic court case. As a driver, you need to be more cautious when you’re driving in areas that have a lot of pedestrians, especially pedestrians that are children.
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is considered a serious traffic offense. In most situations, reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense, which is not as significant as a felony. However, misdemeanor offenses are still serious infractions that are often punished by penalty, fine, or imprisonment for a maximum of 1 year.
Although reckless driving is a misdemeanor, other specific factors can elevate your reckless driving charge to a felony! These specific penalties differ by state, but can often include probation, jail time, fines, and license suspension.
Fines and Restitution
If you are convicted of reckless driving, expect to pay fines, at the least. The amount of the fine will likely differ based on the state and the circumstances of the crime. However, reckless driving fines range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.
If your acts of reckless driving lead to an injury or damaged property, you will likely be ordered to compensate all victims for their losses through restitution, which is when you pay someone for their loss or pain if an injury is involved.
License Suspension
Depending on the severity of the situation, If you’re convicted of reckless driving, your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked. License suspension is mandatory in some states, and in others, the judge determines whether your driver’s license will be suspended.
Misdemeanor convictions often carry a driver’s license suspension period that can last from 30 days to 1 year. Felony offenses can carry a driver’s license suspension or revocation that can last up to 1 year. Also, your auto insurance premiums can increase substantially or be canceled.
Can You Be Jailed for Reckless Driving?
Jail time is certainly a possibility if you’re convicted of reckless driving. Since reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense, you could spend up to 1 year in jail. However, if you’re convicted of felony reckless driving, you could spend a minimum of 1 year in prison.
Any offense that involves serious injuries, including fatal results, can carry a long-term prison sentence of 10 years or more. In a reckless driving case, a judge may sentence you to jail time because of the seriousness of the offense.
Reckless Driving Facts
Reckless driving definitions vary by state. However, in many states, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor crime instead of a simple traffic violation. Such charges will appear on your permanent driving record.
If you’re unsure about the reckless driving laws in your state review the laws on your state’s DMV, MVD, or DPS website. You may be surprised to see a lot of different driving habits listed under reckless driving. Here are a few examples of the different reckless driving in different states.
- In Florida and many other states, fleeing the police qualifies as reckless driving.
- In Hawaii, reckless driving includes the reckless riding of an animal, such as improperly transporting animals, riding chained to the back of a truck, and similar instances.
- If you’re a resident of Illinois, reckless driving includes intentionally making your motor vehicle airborne.
- In Louisiana, if you fall asleep while driving and it results in a fatal accident, this incident qualifies as reckless driving.
- If you’re a resident of Minnesota, reckless driving includes street racing, even if you are traveling below the speed limit.
- In New Hampshire and Nevada, you don’t have to be operating a motor vehicle to be charged with reckless driving! If you organize an unauthorized race on public streets and/or highways, you could be ordered to pay fines or face imprisonment.
- As a resident of Tennessee, if you don’t want to get cited for reckless driving while operating a motorcycle, avoid popping wheelies. The only exception to this rule is if you are in a parade traveling less than 30 mph.
- In Virginia, traveling over 80 mph is considered reckless driving. 6 points will also be added to your driving record.
Does Reckless Driving Add Points to Your Driver’s License?
Reckless driving is a serious criminal offense that has different consequences, especially when it comes to your driving record. The number of points that are added to your driver’s license because of reckless driving varies by state. However, here’s some general information that may be beneficial.
DMV Point System
Most states use a point system that tracks dangerous and careless drivers. If you commit a traffic violation, your state’s DMV or similar traffic authority records this information on your driving record.
Accumulating points on your driving record can be expensive. Your auto insurance premiums will likely increase. Once you reach a specific number of points, your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked. To have your driver’s license reinstated, you must pay all applicable fines and fees.
Careless vs. Reckless Driving
Careless driving and reckless driving are two different instances. Let’s talk about the differences between these two types of driving.
Legal Classification
From a legal aspect, careless driving is deemed a misdemeanor or a traffic violation, whereas reckless driving is a more serious criminal offense. If you receive a ticket for careless driving, likely, the officer doesn’t believe you were operating your motor vehicle with malicious intent.
However, receiving a ticket for reckless driving is more serious, and an officer may believe you were operating your vehicle not only with malicious intent but with a disregard for your safety and the safety of other drivers.
Consequences
Careless driving carries less serious consequences than reckless driving. If you are convicted of careless driving, you may be ordered to pay one or multiple fines, and attend traffic school, and points may be added to your license.
If you are convicted of reckless driving, you may have to pay higher fines or be imprisoned. A reckless driving conviction can negatively impact your criminal record.
Examples of Careless and Reckless Driving
Common examples of careless driving can include the following:
- Failure to yield
- Running a stop sign
- At-fault accidents (minor accidents)
Common examples of reckless driving can include the following:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Excessive speeding
- At-fault accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities
- Street racing
Auto Insurance Impact
If you’re convicted of careless driving, your auto insurance premiums may slightly increase. However, if you are convicted of reckless driving, your auto insurance premiums will likely skyrocket.
Legal Penalties
From a legal perspective, careless driving is viewed as a minor traffic violation, depending on the jurisdiction. Reckless driving is viewed as a criminal offense in most jurisdictions, which can lead to fines, probation, and in some instances, imprisonment.
Burden of Prosecution
To be convicted of careless driving, the prosecution is responsible for proving your negligence or lack of attention to driving. To be convicted of reckless driving, the prosecution has to prove that you willfully disregarded your safety and the safety of other drivers, which requires more evidence than careless driving.
How Does Careless and Reckless Driving Affect Auto Insurance Premiums?
Careless and reckless driving can skyrocket your auto insurance premiums, and in some situations, your auto insurance can be canceled. Whether you’re convicted of careless or reckless driving, it’s likely your auto insurance rates will increase. After you’re convicted of a reckless driving charge, your auto insurance rates can increase to an average of more than $500 for 6 months.
How Long Does Reckless Driving Stay on Your Driving Record?
Reckless driving convictions can stay on your driving record for as long as 10 years, depending on your state’s regulations. This type of conviction will be on your driving record for a minimum of 3 years.
How to Navigate the Road with Aggressive Drivers
Sharing the road with aggressive drivers can be difficult and somewhat frustrating, so you need to know how to handle certain situations if they occur.
Don’t Provoke Other Drivers
Never provoke other drivers! Whether you’re having a bad day or the other driver is having a bad day, don’t go looking for trouble. Avoid cutting an angry driver off, tailgating, and driving slowly in the left lane. You’ll also want to avoid using offensive gestures. Doing any of these instances will make matters worse.
Avoid Engaging in Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Don’t engage in dangerous driving behaviors. It’s best to maintain a safe distance from hostile drivers and avoid making eye contact. If you believe an enraged driver is following you, contact the authorities immediately to prevent this situation from escalating.
Try to Mitigate Aggressive Driving Behaviors
If you know it doesn’t take much to get you in a bad mood when you’re driving, leave the house earlier to try to avoid traffic and reduce stress. Try playing soothing music while you’re driving or listening to your favorite podcast.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help
If you notice that you’re angry a lot, even when you’re not driving, consider seeking help, such as enrolling in anger management classes. These classes can teach you how to address the triggers or sources of your anger and different techniques that will help you cope with your anger.
How to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel
Staying safe behind the wheel is an essential part of driving. Here are different tips that will help you stay safe while driving.
Obey the Speed Limit
Always obey the speed limit. Speeding puts you and other drivers at risk of being involved in an accident. When you’re speeding, you’ll have little to no time to react to other driver’s actions.
Use Caution When Passing Other Vehicles
It’s not illegal to pass vehicles in certain situations, but you need to pass other vehicles with caution. Make sure there’s enough space for you to pass the vehicle and merge back into the lane without the other driver having to slam on their brakes.
Maintain a Safe Distance From Other Vehicles
Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is a safe driving technique for you and other drivers. By keeping enough space between your vehicle and other vehicles, you will have time to react appropriately to different situations and avoid dangerous situations.
Don’t Engage in Aggressive Driving Behaviors
Regardless of how frustrated you become, don’t engage in aggressive driving behaviors. Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding, and other aggressive driving behaviors can cause an auto accident. Engaging in these behaviors is not worth the risk to your safety or the safety of other drivers and passengers.
Stay Focused
The outcome of distracted driving is never good. Make sure you remain focused while you’re on the road. Avoid texting and making phone calls while you’re driving, unless you have a hands-free feature in your vehicle. If you’re driving in bad weather conditions, pay extra attention to the road and your surroundings.
Follow All Traffic Rules and Road Signs
Traffic rules and road signs were created to help keep you and other drivers safe while traveling on the road and regulating traffic. Following traffic rules and road signs helps you remain a predictable driver, helping prevent accidents.
What If I Am Involved in an Accident Caused by Reckless Driving?
If you are involved in an accident, especially one that involves reckless driving, make sure you take the following steps.
Stop and Check for Injuries
Regardless of how minor an accident may seem, there could still be injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and ensure help is on the way as soon as possible.
Call the Police
You will also need to call the police and report the accident. The police will investigate the accident, such as what caused it, and create a report. Make sure you get a copy of the report for your records.
Exchange Information with All Drivers Involved
Every driver involved in the accident needs to exchange their information with other drivers who were also involved. Make sure you get their first and last name, address, phone number, and auto insurance information.
Notify Your Auto Insurance Carrier
After you’ve been involved in an accident, you’ll need to file a claim with your auto insurance provider. Most auto insurance companies have apps that allow you to file a claim using your phone. Make sure you document the accident with as much information as possible. Take pictures of your vehicle from all angles and the police report.
Contact a Lawyer
Being involved in a car accident is never fun. If you were hurt, and you were not at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal processes and get you the compensation you deserve.
Doctor’s Orders
If you are injured, follow your doctor’s orders. If you are prescribed medication, make sure you follow the directions to ensure a proper recovery. You’ll likely need a lot of rest. Depending on the injury, you may be required to take time off work.
Document the Accident
It’s a good idea to keep all documentation of the accident. Since you are required to file a claim with your auto insurance provider, keep those documents. You’ll also want to take pictures of the scene of the accident and write down what happened. You can also speak to witnesses.
Never Admit Fault
Regardless of fault, never admit that you are responsible for the accident. The police will determine who is at fault for the accident. Admitting fault before fault is determined can have serious consequences, including fines and possible jail time, depending on the nature of the accident. Your auto insurance could also be affected.
How to Avoid Reckless Driving
Whether you’re an excellent driver or not, you can’t always determine the actions of another driver. You could be the safest driver on the planet and still be involved in an accident caused by reckless driving. Use these tips to help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident caused by reckless driving.
Plan Ahead
Plan your route before traveling, especially if you know there will be a lot of traffic. Leave at least 10 minutes early to try and avoid traffic jams. If traffic is not avoidable, try to find an alternate route.
Avoid Road Rage
Driving can be a frustrating task, especially when all drivers aren’t following the rules. However, stay calm and remain alert. Engaging in irrational actions while driving will most likely result in doing something that you’ll regret. Some motorists are rude, and the only way to address this issue is to distance yourself from them.
Obey the Traffic Rules
We can’t stress enough how important following traffic rules are. Don’t allow other drivers to force you into driving recklessly, such as speeding. If you are traveling in the left lane, and a driver decides they want to speed, move to the right lane and allow the driver to pass. Once the driver passes you, you can return to the left lane.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving causes many accidents each year. Don’t be the cause of an accident! Avoid texting, fumbling through playlists, and engaging in other distracted driving techniques while you’re on the road. Listening to music while you’re driving is fine, but trying to find a song every few minutes is not. While you’re trying to find the perfect tune, you’re eyes will be off the road, causing you to be distracted. Create a playlist before you get on the road so you don’t have to worry about changing songs.
Reckless driving affects you in more ways than one. Points on your license and increasing your auto insurance premiums are just a few ways that reckless driving can affect you. Avoid reckless driving by practicing safe driving techniques each time you drive. Drive safely and responsibly. Happy driving!