5 Common Types of Reckless Driving
Reckless driving can encompass a wide variety of driving behavior. A reckless driver is one who intentionally disregards traffic laws and endangers the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. This driving behavior is punishable by law and may result in the suspension of your license. The 5 most common types of reckless behavior are listed below.
1. Distracted driving
Distracted driving is most common type of reckless driving. This particular type of reckless driving behavior can include a wide range of activities:
- driving while applying makeup
- driving while texting
- driving while eating or drinking
- driving while adjusting settings in your vehicle
- driving while holding conversations
Essentially, distracted driving is any type of driving that redirects your attention from the road to elsewhere. Often it only takes a few seconds of our eyes off the road for accidents to occur.
2. Disregarding traffic laws
Traffic laws are set in place to protect both drivers and pedestrians. Not obeying traffic laws not only places you in danger, but it also compromises the safety of others. Running red lights, not stopping fully at stop signs, and disregarding speed limits are all types of reckless driving.
3. Street racing
Street racing on both public and private property is considered reckless driving. Most people engage in this particular activity in areas that are usually abandoned. However, you can never be completely when other drivers will be present in these seemingly deserted areas. When street racing it is relatively easy to lose control of your vehicle. Crashing into objects or other vehicles as a result of speed racing can leave serious damage and inflict injury.
4. Aggressive driving
Aggressive driving is another common type type of reckless driving. Aggressive driving can is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, intention to harm someone while driving aggressively is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This can result in up to 12 months of jail time. Aggressive driving can take very different forms:
- tailgating another driver
- not yielding to other vehicles
- overtaking other vehicles
- evading traffic control
- stopping on the road with the intent to harass or harm another driver
5. Speeding
When driving above the speed limit you quickly become a danger on the road. Our brains think faster than our bodies can move. When our brains detect a potential threat on roadways it takes awhile for our brains to transmit this message to our bodies. Once our bodies receive the message we can then respond accordingly. However, driving above the speed limit makes it difficult for our bodies to react quickly. Reaction time is extended when speeding occurs, because it takes more time and effort to stomp on the brakes and slow down. Not being able to brake quickly can lead to road accidents and injuries.
If you have been the victim of a car accident at the hands of a reckless driver, feel free to contact us at Colley and Colley.