Dangerous driving – a form of careless driving – is common in Daytona Beach. When the driver of a vehicle is driving dangerously, he or she is exhibiting reckless, careless behaviors while behind the wheel. Additionally, the driver is putting everyone on the road at risk for serious accident or injury. It is against the law to recklessly drive and one can be cited for doing so; often, however, these behaviors go unnoticed by the police until they cause an accident. Florida has strict definitions for reckless driving and consequences for engaging in such behavior on the road. If you choose to operate your vehicle in a way that puts individuals or property at risk, you could face fines or potential jail time.

Examples of Reckless and Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Florida, like other states, does not include specific reckless driving behaviors in its driving statutes. Instead, law enforcement officials will take into account the surrounding factors – such as traffic, road conditions and the presence of pedestrians – when determining if someone is driving recklessly. There are some examples of what constitutes reckless driving; if an accident is caused by such behaviors, the driver could be considered negligent.

Excessive Speed

Speeding is dangerous and anyone driving over the speed limit could be cited. Excess speeding over the speed limit could be considered negligent. Ranges from 10 to 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, depending on circumstances, are negligent. Driving at such speeds willfully endangers the lives of others on the road. While Florida statutes do not specifically cite excess speeds as reckless, in a personal injury claim, a person could be considered reckless and negligent if he or she drives at excessive speeds and cause an accident. Another form of reckless driving could be speeding in residential areas, as well as school zones.

Passing Dangerously

Passing other vehicles is allowed under Florida driving laws, but only when safety permits. Passing on a hill or around a curve, for instance, could be considered reckless behavior because the driver cannot see oncoming traffic from the other lane. Passing unsafely is not typically defined as reckless, but it is a risky driving behavior that could still be used in a personal injury claim.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is a type of dangerous driving behavior that often leads to devastating accidents. No one should drive aggressively. While motorists need to exhibit the proper level of defensive driving skills on the road, aggressive driving can run other vehicles off the road or cause collisions. Aggressive driving is never permissible in Florida and could be considered negligent.

Were You Injured by a Reckless or Dangerous Driver?

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident with a reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. Contact car accident Attorneys Vasilaros Wagner to discuss your recent accident case. The law only permits so much time between the event and filing your claim, so contact us at 386-777-7777 now to schedule a no-obligation consultation. You can also ask a question online via our contact form.