Reckless Driving is a cause of property damage, personal injury and even deaths. Reckless driving is one of the major causes of teen car crash incidents.
Reckless driving falls into different specific criminal categories across the United States. In Washington State, for example, it is a gross misdemeanor. It is a misdemeanor in Alaska and a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), reckless driving occurs when the driver of any motorized vehicle operates it in a fashion that endangers or will endanger individuals or property.
In defining reckless driving, the law looks at the principles of risk and harm. An integral factor is the risk of harm. The act must be intentional. There must also be flagrant disregard for the safety of another.
There are different categories or types of reckless driving. Some, such as driving at certain speeds, are subject to state stipulations; others are more general in their application.
If you are charged with reckless driving, the penalties can be severe. The exact application and harshness of the punishment will vary in accordance with state statutes and the specific nature of your case. If the matter is a repeat offence or you have had a certain number of traffic offences within a set time, the penalties will increase. Generally, you will face the following consequences:
If you are facing a charge of reckless driving, consider consulting and/or hiring a lawyer. He or she may not be able to extricate you from the situation. The attorney, however, may be able to mitigate the damage.