Reckless driving is considered a crime and is punishable by law. If you’re caught violating traffic rules, you will not only have to pay a fine, but you may also find yourself spending time in jail. This is especially true if this isn’t your first time to commit traffic rule violations.
It’s easy to spot a reckless driver. You only have to look at the way he drives and how he acts while on the road. However, knowing if you’re one is a bit difficult. After all, you will have to look at your driving habits objectively. The way you drive may seem okay to you, but to others, it may not. For this reason, here are some signs that show you might be a reckless driver.
You don’t really stop at stop signs.
You should know that you are required to come to a complete stop whenever you see a stop sign, especially at intersections. However, there are some drivers who do not practice this. Instead of coming to a full stop, what they do is to simply slow their cars down while checking to see if there are any other cars near the vicinity. If there are none, then they immediately proceed. While they can get away with this, what they don’t realize is that they are endangering not only themselves but other people as well. The stop sign is there for a reason, and it’s there to protect the driver and the people around him. If you are one of those people who feel that you don’t have to stop since the intersection is clear anyway, then you are a reckless driver.
You drive way too fast.
The
habit of driving too fast kills. In fact, statistic says that speeding accounts for about 30% of all serious road accidents that have resulted to fatal injuries and even death. Yes, the road may be clear and there are no signs of immediate danger, so what’s stopping you from simply going right ahead and driving fast, right? However, what you’re not taking into consideration is the fact that a car might suddenly come to a stop in front of you or a pedestrian might suddenly cross the street. If you’re driving too fast, you won’t be able to react quickly to avoid the accident. If this happens and you caused an accident, then prepare to deal with the legal and financial ramifications of your reckless driving.
You’re too hot-tempered, and you can’t resist racing with other drivers.
Do you feel like you’re the king of the road when you’re driving? Do little things like a slow driver or someone suddenly cutting in front of you cause your temper to flare up? Do you feel you own the road and that you’re invincible when you’re behind the wheel? Do you think it’s okay to race with other drivers, especially if goaded into it? If you answered “yes” to all these questions, then consider yourself a reckless driver. You’re letting your pride and emotions rule you when you’re driving, and you’re putting your safety and the safety of the public at risk.
Don’t be a reckless driver. Be a defensive driver and always exercise caution while on the road to avoid accidents and lawsuits.
Jennifer Dalbeck, a freelance content provider, writes forĀ
www.BobCohenLaw.com. She regularly writes about car accidents, how to prevent one, and how to deal with one.