Reckless Driving and Speeding in Carroll County
If you have ever witnessed or have been the victim of reckless driving, you know how upsetting and traumatic it can be, particularly when there are serious injuries involved. Reckless driving occurs when an individual drives in a manner that shows a willful disregard for the rules of the road, compromising the safety of others. While examples of reckless driving can range from relatively minor offenses to more violent and aggressive acts, any form of aggressive driving can cause serious injuries and considerable property damage.
Common Examples of Reckless Driving
Reckless driving includes a range of traffic offenses, including the following:
- Excessive speeding
- Tailgating
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Driving through stop signs or red lights
- Failing to use turn signals when turning or changing lanes
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Braking suddenly
- Failing to use headlight at night or during inclement weather
- Driving while intoxicated
- Talking on the phone, texting, or any other examples of distracted driving
Speeding alone is not necessarily considered reckless driving, but the faster a person is driving, the more they compromise the safety of other drivers in the vicinity. Excessive speeding can be particularly dangerous when there are pedestrians or bicyclists sharing the road, or if there is heavy traffic. In addition, if weather conditions or lighting affects visibility, speeding can become very dangerous.
Parents should be aware that teen drivers often engage in reckless driving in an effort to impress their friends. This desire to test the limits and look cool can have devastating results, especially when teens choose to drink and drive. One moment of poor judgment can cause a lifetime of pain and devastation.
Tips to Prevent Reckless Driving Accidents
In most cases, reckless driving car accidents can be prevented simply by obeying the rules of the road at all times. However, there are some additional proactive steps you can take to protect yourself, and others in your vehicle, if you witness another motorist on the road driving recklessly.:
- Steer clear of dangerous drivers. If you see another car that is either speeding, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic, put distance between yourself and the other vehicle, or move over a few lanes so that you are not in danger of being hit.
- Report reckless drivers to the police. If someone is driving recklessly, try to pull over to a safe spot so that you can call 911 and report the vehicle. If you can, write down the driver’s license plate number and give that information to the police.
- Always buckle your seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most effective ways of preventing injuries in the event of a wreck. All passengers should wear them at all times.
- Allow extra time to arrive at your destination. If you are rushed, you are more likely to speed, tailgate, or take other unsafe shortcuts. Give yourself extra time when planning your travel arrangements so that you are not tempted to drive recklessly.
- Avoid distractions. Never talk, text, check social media, or engage in any other behaviors that distract your attention from the road. In the few seconds it takes to look at your phone, or make a call, you could be involved in a serious accident, especially if another driver near you is driving recklessly.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Always remain awake and alert when you are behind the wheel. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and avoid driving when you are feeling drowsy. This can impact your ability to react to other drivers who may be driving aggressively.
Carroll County Car Accident Attorneys at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Reckless Driving Accidents
If you have been injured in a car accident involving another motorist who was driving recklessly or aggressively, do not hesitate to contact the Carroll County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Reckless driving is a serious offense. We will work tirelessly to determine who is responsible for your injuries and hold them accountable for their actions. We will not stop fighting for you until we secure that maximum financial compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Carroll County, with is comprised of the communities of Westminster, Mount Airy, Manchester, New Windsor, Union Bridge, Hampstead, Sykesville, Taneytown, and Eldersburg.
