Reckless driving is a common cause of car accidents; thus, it is reasonable to agree that reckless driving is bad. Because this type of behavior often involves operating a vehicle at high speeds or engaging in dangerous driving tactics such as tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic, these types of accidents often cause serious injuries or even death for the driver, passengers, or pedestrians.
Types Of Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, a dangerous act that can lead to fatalities, occurs when the driver of a vehicle shows a disregard for the safety of other drivers on the road, often ignoring traffic signals, signs, and laws.
Some common behaviors of reckless drivers include:
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield
- Failing to stop at traffic lights or stop signs
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Failing to use turning signals when turning or changing lanes
- Speeding
- Driving while distracted
- Failing to use headlights at night or in heavy rain
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Making illegal U-turns or lane changes
- Drowsy driving
The Facts About Reckless Driving, a Bad Practice
The biggest reason reckless driving is bad is that it is dangerous and can quickly result in a collision that causes death or serious, life-threatening injuries. Here are some facts you should know about some of the more common types of reckless driving behaviors:
Drowsy Driving
An estimated one in 25 drivers admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel within the previous 30 days, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This type of driving causes you to pay less attention to the road, impacts your ability to make good decisions, and slows your reaction time if traffic suddenly slows or stops.
In fact, the Sleep Foundation reports that driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving while drunk.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving involves a number of types of behaviors, including:
- Texting and driving
- Changing the radio
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel
- Talking to other people in the car
- Grooming yourself while on the way to work
- Looking at the scenery around you
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is a major cause of crashes each year.
The CDC reports that 29 people in the United States (U.S.) die every day as a result of accidents involving impaired driving. Statistically, this equals to one fatality every 50 minutes.
The CDC also reports that drugs—both legal and illegal—are involved in 16% of crashes and that 13% of nighttime and weekend drivers have marijuana in their system. Marijuana users, in fact, are shown to be 25% more likely to be involved in a car accident than other drivers.
Speeding
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) speeding continues to be another major problem across the U.S. The NHTSA reports that in 2018 alone, speeding killed 9,378 people.
When drivers speed, they have less time to stop or slow down to avoid an accident. Speeding increases the likelihood that the driver will lose control of their vehicle as well as the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities if a crash occurs.
Speeding is considered a type of aggressive driving behavior and often results from:
- Frustration over traffic congestion
- Running late
- Drivers feeling detached from their environments and therefore less constrained in the way they behave
- Complete disregard for others and the law
Failure to Yield Right of Way
In a 2017 study that focuses on facts and statistics about highway safety, the Insurance Information Institute found that failure to yield the right of way was the fourth most common cause of car accidents that resulted in fatalities.
These are just a few of the most common types of reckless behavior that drivers engage in regularly. Unfortunately, reckless driving often results in injuries or fatalities for other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation For Your Losses
If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a car accident involving a reckless driver in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, or Alabama, you have the right to hold that person responsible for their behavior. For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact the team at Morris Bart, LLC today at (800) 537-8185.