Reckless Driving and Speeding Accidents in Howard County
Reckless driving can take many forms, but the one thing they all have in common is that they can cause serious car accidents resulting in significant property damage, life-threatening injuries, and fatalities. Reckless drivers put themselves and others on the road at risk when they disregard the rules of the road. Unfortunately, we cannot control how other people drive, but we can make every effort to drive safely and responsibly every time we get behind the wheel.
Reckless driving is a willful disregard for the rules of the road and for the safety of other motorists in the vicinity. Because of the nature of the violation and the injuries that can result from a reckless driving wreck, this is considered to be one of the most serious traffic offenses. As a result, drivers who are found guilty of reckless driving often face penalties that can range from significant fines and license suspensions to community service obligations and incarceration.
Common Examples of Reckless Driving
There are a wide range of examples of reckless driving, including, but not limited to the following:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Braking suddenly
- Making improper turns
- Driving through stop signs or red lights
- Driving without headlights at night or during inclement weather
- Drinking and driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs
- Failure to signal
- Unsafe passing
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Making illegal turns in unsafe lane changes
While it is possible that a single offense may not always be considered reckless driving, a combination of any of the above will likely warrant a reckless driving charge. However, speeding alone can result in a reckless driving charge, particularly if the person was driving at an extremely high rate of speed. This is especially true when other factors are involved, including the following:
- Presence of pedestrians
- Time of day
- Visibility
- Road conditions
- Traffic conditions
Tips to Avoid Reckless Driving Accidents
Fortunately, most reckless driving accidents can be prevented by driving safely, responsibly, and always obeying the law. There are additional steps you can take that will keep you and the other passengers in your vehicle safe if another driver on the road is showing signs of reckless behavior. The following tips can help you avoid an accident:
- Avoid other vehicles that appear dangerous. If another vehicle is tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding excessively, or showing any other signs of reckless driving, move over a few lanes or make an effort to get out of their way.
- Report reckless drivers. If you can pull over to the side of the road safely, call the local police and report the driver, providing the license plate number if you can. If the reckless driver is in a truck, call the number on the back of the trailer and report the driver to a supervisor.
- Stay focused. Do not allow yourself to become distracted while you are driving. Never talk, eat, text, or do anything else that takes your attention away from the road. One moment of distraction can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering if it causes a serious or fatal wreck.
- Be aware of your surroundings. It is important that you pay attention to other drivers in your vicinity so that you can react quickly if they show signs of reckless driving.
- Always wear a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent injury in the event of a reckless driving car accident. All occupants, including those in the back seat, should wear seatbelts at all times.
- Give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. If you are rushing, you are more likely to speed, tailgate, or swerve in and out of lanes in order to get to where you want to go.
Howard County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Reckless Driving Accidents
If you or a loved one have been injured in a reckless driving car accident, the Howard County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side. We take reckless driving offenses very seriously and we will work tirelessly to determine who is responsible for causing the accident. Protecting your rights is our top priority and we are committed to securing the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, do not hesitate to call us 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 Howard County, Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Fulton, Highland, Ilchester, Laurel, and North Laurel.
