Driving is a privilege that must be handled with the utmost care in order to avoid costly and damaging accidents. Unfortunately, people too often take driving for granted and do so recklessly. Turning your eyes from the road for even a few seconds can cause a serious accident. In order to better understand the importance of safe driving, here’s a closer look at six reckless driving stats that should be of interest.

Six Key Reckless Driving Stats

1. Human error actually leads to around 90 percent of all road accidents. This can be anything from driving while under the influence of alcohol to passing through red lights. Changing lanes without first signalling to other drivers is also a huge factor in this stat.  HUMAN ERROR ACCOUNTS FOR 90% OF ROAD ACCIDENTS Alert  International News – April 2011

2. Over 6,600 people were killed in 2011 and 2012 altogether due to a motor vehicle crash that involved a distracted driver. This number rises by more than a hundred fold when merely looking at injuries due to distracted driving. There are three basic types of distractions, including visual, cognitive and manual distractions. CDC

3. Distraction was the primary cause for almost one in five crashes causing injury that occurred in 2011. The exact number was around 17 percent. A distraction can occur from reckless acts like taking your hands off the wheel for a few seconds to talking on a cell phone while driving. The CDC

4. The overall percentage of drivers text messaging while driving rose from 1.7 percent in 2013 to 2.2 percent in 2014. This is especially common in younger drivers among the ages of 16 to 24. In fact, these rates have continued to rise since 2007.

5. When looking at the age bracket of 15-19 year old drivers, ten percent were distracted at the time of a fatal accident. This is due to a combination of not having enough experience with the realities of the road to a simple recklessness that tends to be present when a teenager. This age group is the largest portion of drivers that were involved in accidents due primarily to recklessness. Id

6. 20.7 million people drove while under the influence of alcohol in 2013 alone. Alcohol is known to cause such side effects as impaired vision, bad reaction times, bad concentration, difficulties in comprehending sensory information and a whole host of additional issues. Getting into a driver’s seat while drunk is the very definition of reckless driving.

Demonstrates a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others

Reckless driving refers to the operation of a vehicle in a manner that demonstrates a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or property. It typically involves actions that go beyond simple negligence and can include behaviors such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and other dangerous actions on the road.

Laws and penalties for reckless driving vary by jurisdiction, but common consequences may include fines, license suspension, mandatory driving school, probation, or even imprisonment in severe cases. Additionally, reckless driving convictions can lead to increased insurance premiums and a tarnished driving record.

Prioritize safe and responsible driving

It’s important to prioritize safe and responsible driving to protect not only your own well-being but also that of others on the road. If you have concerns or questions about traffic laws in your specific area, it’s advisable to consult local authorities or legal resources for accurate and up-to-date information.

Reckless driving refers to the operation of a vehicle in a manner that demonstrates a willful disregard for the safety of others or a blatant indifference to traffic laws. The specific types of reckless driving can vary by jurisdiction, but some common examples include:

1. Excessive Speeding: Driving at speeds significantly above the posted speed limits or too fast for road and weather conditions.
2. Aggressive Driving: Engaging in aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or making aggressive gestures.
3. Distracted Driving: Operating a vehicle while distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using electronic devices.
4. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals, running red lights, or failing to stop at stop signs.
5. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances that impair judgment and coordination.
6. Reckless Lane Changes: Making sudden and unsafe lane changes without signaling or checking blind spots.
7. Street Racing: Engaging in illegal racing on public roads, which is not only reckless but also highly dangerous.
8. Evading Law Enforcement: Attempting to flee from law enforcement in a vehicle, often involving high-speed chases.
9. Reckless Overtaking: Passing other vehicles in an unsafe manner, such as on curves, in no-passing zones, or without sufficient visibility.
10. Ignoring Traffic Controls: Disregarding traffic control devices, such as disregarding traffic signals, not yielding the right of way, or failing to obey traffic signs.

Rhode Island reckless driving accident lawyer

It’s important to note that the specific laws and penalties for reckless driving can vary by jurisdiction. In many places, reckless driving is considered a serious offense and can result in fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges. Always prioritize safe and responsible driving habits to ensure the well-being of yourself and others on the road.