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Laws against reckless driving apply to everyone in The Lone Star State.
According to the Texas Transportation Code, reckless driving occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle on a public road with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or personal property.
When drivers are caught being reckless, they can face serious criminal consequences, including fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. When their recklessness ends in a collision, as it often does, other motorists can be catastrophically injured or killed.
What are the Most Common Types of Reckless Driving in Texas?
According to Texas state law, common actions that qualify as reckless driving include, but are not limited to:
- Driving inappropriately in wet or wintry conditions.
- Excessive speeding.
- Driving while distracted or impaired.
- Street racing.
- Failing to stop when signaled to do so by police.
- Unpredictable or erratic lane changes or driving in the wrong lane.
- Driving in a way that damages property.
- Driving in any way that threatens someone else’s life.
Nearly two decades ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration outlined in an Aggressive Driving and the Law Symposium that “the definition of aggressive driving should be included under reckless driving statutes and not broadened to narrow the definition of reckless driving.”
That includes actions that are currently listed as “aggressive” as opposed to “reckless,” which could impact how the drivers are held accountable by law, such as:
- Running red lights or stop signs.
- Changing lanes without signaling.
- Passing a vehicle on the wrong side of the road.
- Cutting in front of another driver, then slowing down.
- Blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes.
- Tailgating
The reality is, high-risk drivers are also frequently more likely to drink and drive, speed, or drive unbelted, putting themselves and all other motorists on our Texas roadways in danger. Whether their actions fall legally under the definition of reckless or aggressive, they can leave other motorists, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists suffering from life-changing injuries or their families struggling with the loss of a loved one.
If your life has been changed by a reckless or aggressive driver, call our skilled personal injury attorneys in Austin, Texas at (512) 699-1382 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.
