There’s a difference between careless and reckless driving. The former may result in fines, points on a driver’s license and other civil traffic violations. Reckless driving is a criminal offense that may result in a motorist ending up in prison.
Reckless driving can result in a motorist’s license being suspended or revoked. Data published on InsuranceQuotes.com suggests that convictions such as these may increase a driver’s auto insurance premium by up to 87.5%.
Transportation companies may lower their Safety Measurement System (SMS) and Behavioral Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) scores and ranks if one of their drivers gets convicted of reckless driving. An event like this could put an end to their ability to remain operational.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines this criminal offense as “driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This definition essentially means that a driver operates a vehicle in blatant disregard for the laws and well-being of themselves, others and property. It also hints at the fact that a motorist who does this knows that harm and damage could result from their actions.
It isn’t necessary for an accident, property damage or injury to occur for a police officer to arrest a motorist for reckless driving. There are many actions that a driver can commit that can get them charged with reckless driving.
If a motorist drives more than 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, runs a red light or stop sign or intentionally fails to yield to others, they may face reckless driving charges. Any motorist that drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, races other cars, evades law enforcement, texts while driving, passes a stopped school bus or crosses over double lines on a two-lane highway may also face similar charges.
Catastrophic damage to property and severe injuries are all-too-common results of reckless drivers crashing into unsuspecting motorists. It’s not uncommon for collisions between trucks and cars to be deadly. Many think of truckers as professional drivers that are less apt to drive recklessly. They make some of the same mistakes that passenger car operators make, though.
Taking immediate action to preserve evidence is critical when a crash occurs here in Rome. An attorney can help you build your Georgia case in hopes of achieving the best resolution to it.