As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, government officials
have made efforts to limit transmission by ordering residents to stay
at home and only leave their homes for emergencies and essential services.
As a result, there is considerably less traffic on the roads. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation shows that the overall number of crashes has fallen sharply on streets
and highways from March to May.
However, around the country, including in Texas, some drivers are taking
advantage of the open road by speeding on highways. Though the overall
decline in crashes is steep, the number of crashes caused by reckless
driving specifically did not fall compared to 2019. During the three-month
period captured, 646 reckless crashes, including those caused by speeding
and impaired driving, killed at least one person – only an 11% drop
in fatal crashes compared to last year.
The number of issued traffic citations for speeding has also jumped in
the state. While Houston’s main three police agencies issued just
123 citations in February to drivers going 100 mph or more, in March and
April, that number jumped to 175.
What is Reckless Driving?
Speeding on the road is a form of reckless driving, and in most states,
every violator is considered guilty of a misdemeanor. Reckless driving
refers to driving that violates safety laws and/or puts other drivers
and individuals at risk of being injured in an accident.
Common behaviors considered to be reckless driving along with speeding include:
- Tailgating: Tailgating refers to the practice of driving too closely behind
another car, which can often cause accidents when the car in front stops
suddenly. Failing to give yourself enough space in front of you gives
you less time to slow or stop suddenly for traffic or some other road
hazard. All drivers should be at least three car lengths behind the car
in front of them.
- Failure to yield: Many drivers cause collisions when they fail to yield
to the right of way of other vehicles, such as when they attempt to make
left-hand turns. Failing to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
can often result in a T-bone accident, which can produce serious injuries.
Reckless drivers also put pedestrians and bicyclists in danger when they
fail to wait for them to legally cross the road.
- Failure to signal: All drivers are required to signal and check their blind
spots before safely merging or changing lanes. Many car accidents occur
when drivers simply swerve or change lanes without warning or checking
to make sure no one else is in their path.
Serving Texans Since 1976
At the Law Office of James M. Stanley, our car accident attorneys believe
that reckless drivers should be held responsible for their negligent actions,
especially if they harmed other innocent drivers, pedestrians, and passengers.
All drivers must abide by state and federal traffic safety laws and are
obligated to keep others around them on the road safe. When they violate
this obligation, they need to pay. Our team has successfully recovered
damages for countless injured clients, including property damage, pain
and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. We strive to provide our
clients with convenience during a challenging time, which is why we can
come to you when you call, whether you’re in the hospital or at
home. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t
get paid until you do.
Call {F:P:Site:Phone}, or contact us onlinefor a free consultation if you’ve been injured by a careless or negligent
driver. The Law Office of James M. Stanley has helped countless injured
clients recover since 1976 and can help you pursue the justice you deserve.