We have all seen reckless drivers engaging in dangerous driving behavior that endangers others. Those who are fortunate enough to not have been involved in a crash with a reckless driver may still have had a close call. Some who have been hit by reckless drivers have sustained serious and life-threatening injuries, all of which could have been avoided.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash due to someone else’s reckless behavior, speak to an experienced Sarasota car accident attorney at Farrow & Pulice, P.A. to learn about the legal options available to you. Below, our attorneys discuss common ways drivers behave recklessly and what you can do to avoid a serious crash.
Five common reckless driving behaviors
Reckless drivers often only care about one thing: themselves. For that reason, they are willing to put others’ lives at risk. The most common reckless driving behaviors include:
- Driving too fast for conditions. It’s common sense to slow down when the roads get slick or inclement weather strikes. It’s also common sense to be prepared to stop and use caution when approaching traffic jams, crash scenes or roadside construction. Yet, some drivers are willing to take the risk of causing a serious crash just to “get ahead.”
- Failing to yield the right-of-way. The right-of-way allows traffic to flow smoothly and safely. Some drivers become aggressive and cut off others who have the right to proceed. This often leads to road rage and serious collisions.
- Disobeying traffic laws. We have speed limits, red lights, yield signs, stop signs and other traffic laws for a reason. That is to promote safety for those on the road. Some drivers disregard the laws. At best, they get pulled over by police and ticketed. At worst, they cause a serious accident that injures or kills somebody.
- Driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Alcohol and certain drugs can cause impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, reduced alertness, and loss of physical and cognitive control. In 2018, more than 10,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes, which accounted for 30 people each day. In Florida, there were 814 drunk driving deaths during the same year.
- Driving while distracted by cellphones. Cellphone use can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheels and attention away from driving. It only takes a split-second of being distracted to cause a serious crash. In fact, distracted driving was the cause of more than 2,800 traffic fatalities across the U.S. in 2018.
Avoiding accidents with reckless drivers
If you spot another driver speeding, weaving through traffic, failing to stay within the lines on the road or otherwise behaving in a way that could endanger others, it’s best to maintain a safe distance. If you’re being tailgated, simply pull over to the side of the road and let the driver pass if you’re able to.
Should you or a loved one be injured in a crash involving a reckless driver, the attorneys at Farrow & Pulice, P.A. can investigate your crash and help you recover all damages owed to you. We serve clients in Sarasota and throughout southwestern Florida. Contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
