Reckless driving is a traffic offense that involves a total disregard for the safety of other road users by violating traffic laws and breaking rules. This puts every road user at risk, and it includes tailgating, running red lights, failing to use turn signals, ignoring a no-passing zone, and changing lanes too quickly. Victims of these crashes may sustain injuries and suffer from multiple damages, including financial losses if they need to get medical treatment. If you were hurt in a crash caused by a reckless driver, you can contact a lawyer to help you file a claim against the negligent driver. An attorney has experience in handling similar cases and can use his or her expertise to help you win the case. Many car accidents are caused by human error, and the most common causes of reckless driving accidents include:
Distracted driving
This is one of the top causes of vehicle collisions on the road and it includes smoking, adjusting the radio, using electronic devices, and eating while behind the wheel. When a driver loses focus while behind the wheel, it can lead to a collision. Distracted driving is dangerous to do not only to yourself but also to those around you. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Alcohol or drugs
A drunk driver is more prone to driving carelessly compared to others. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to drive safely on the road. Drugs and alcohol can also give the driver a false sense of confidence, and cause him or her to speed, run red lights, race, and drive the wrong way. Staying sober is the best way to avoid getting into car accidents. You need to be aware of what is always going on.
Speeding
Many streets in New York City have a speed limit of 30 miles per hour. However, delivery vehicles, taxis, and trucks often ignore the speed limit to reach their destinations quickly. It is difficult to control a speeding car, and the driver doesn’t have enough reaction time to respond to any danger. In addition, when the roads are wet or covered with ice, speeding increases the risk of spinning, skidding, or flipping over.
Inexperience
Some careless driving behaviors are a result of peer pressure or driver inexperience, which usually occurs among teen drivers. Inexperienced drivers do not have enough experience to realize how dangerous careless driving is, and may engage in speeding, drag racing, running red lights, and making unsafe lane changes.
Weather and road conditions
Even though you cannot control the weather, you can decide not to drive when there is bad weather. Severe weather conditions like snow, rain, ice, or fog can create very unsafe road conditions, which can make you lose control of your vehicle. Pay attention to the weather and how the road is going to be. Stay hyper-vigilant when you drive in those types of conditions.
Driver fatigue
When a driver is fatigued, he or she will react more slowly to emergencies on the road. Drowsiness and fatigue have contributed to thousands of crashes on the highways and have caused injuries and fatalities that could have been prevented with enough rest and sleep before getting behind the wheel. Every driver has the responsibility to follow all the traffic rules while behind the wheel. Violating this duty of care can lead to penalties and charges like fines and jail time. In addition, if a careless driver’s actions cause a crash, the at-fault driver could face criminal charges and civil penalties.
