In the Commonwealth of Virginia it is illegal to drive recklessly. However, what it actually means to be reckless while behind the wheel of a car is not defined by one particular act. Under the Code of Virginia, different forms of conduct may constitute reckless driving and therefore the applicable statute may be read to apply to individuals who exhibited different driving behaviors.
Reckless driving may constitute being reckless while behind the wheel, and the term “reckless” may generally be defined as constituting an unreasonable risk to the safety of one’s self or others. Under Virginia’s reckless driving statute, speeding may also constitute recklessness if that speed is could endanger the life or property of others.
Reckless driving in Virginia is also subject to a catch-all provision in the statute that applies to driving “in any manner” that may endanger life, limb, or property. Therefore, reckless driving may apply to alleged speeders, alleged drunk drivers, drivers who allegedly fail to follow traffic signals and practically any other possible alleged driving infraction punished under the laws of the Commonwealth.
To this end, a driver who is charged with a reckless driving crime may be in a difficult legal situation as reckless driving charges can result in heavy fines and the loss of drivers’ operating privileges. Even though reckless driving can be alleged based on many different types of driving conduct, all individuals accused of reckless driving can benefit from seeking legal counsel. An attorney familiar with reckless driving charges in Virginia can help their client formulate a strategy to overcome their charges and protect their right to drive.
