Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation and may lead to significant criminal sanctions if a Virginia resident is convicted on their charges. While most readers may understand reckless driving involves operating one’s vehicle at a high rate of speed, reckless driving can mean more than just excessive speeding. Reckless driving may be charged when a driver is suspected of driving in such a manner as to have no regard for the consequences of their actions.
As such, reckless driving can include driving to elude police officers. If a person is attempting to flee the police, they may not be paying attention to traffic signs, posted speeds or the safety of others who are on the roads with them. A person who drives recklessly to avoid the police may face other serious criminal charges as well.
Additionally, reckless driving can involve a common activity of young drivers: racing. Racing on local roads can involve driving at excessive speeds and potentially putting others in danger if drivers choose to operate the wrong way on parts of streets. Any evasive or aggressive driving may be termed reckless if it exhibits a disregard for the safety of others or the consequences that may result.
Getting charged with reckless driving can mean more than just losing one’s license. Reckless driving may be charged as a misdemeanor or it may be included in a slew of other driving and non-driving charges, depending upon the conduct the individual is suspected of committing. The proper defense strategy can help a person facing a reckless driving charge and may support their efforts to maintain the driving privileges.
