Every Day, Reckless and Irresponsible Drivers Put Lives At Risk
If you spend enough time behind the wheel, you’ll see plenty of examples of reckless driving. Despite all of the traffic laws, rules of the road, common sense, and basic consideration for others, plenty of drivers in Colorado Springs operate their vehicles irresponsibly and dangerously. Often, reckless driving puts others at risk without causing any actual harm. Sometimes, the police will stop and charge a driver with a serious traffic offense because of their recklessness. But in far too many instances, an irresponsible driver will leave serious injuries and death in their wake.
The Law of Reckless Driving in Colorado
Because so many people are at risk and countless crashes and injuries are the result, reckless driving is a serious traffic offense under Colorado law. A driver can face conviction for reckless driving if they operate their vehicle “in such a manner as to indicate either a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
Colorado’s reckless driving law doesn’t just apply to cars and trucks. Anyone on a bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter can get charged with reckless driving. Of course, many driving behaviors that constitute reckless driving – such as speeding or driving under the influence – also violate other traffic laws.
Examples of Reckless Driving In Colorado
Some of the most common examples of reckless driving in Colorado include:
Speeding
Let’s be honest: all of us have driven above the posted speed limit from time to time. But there is a big difference between cruising along at 70 MPH in a 65 MPH zone on I-25 and plowing through a school zone at 60 MPH. Speeding becomes reckless driving when it is clearly inappropriate and unsafe under the circumstances.
Sometimes, those circumstances are defined by the posted limit, such as in the case of a school zone, where the speed limit is 20 MPH during school hours.
Other times, however, road and weather conditions dictate what an appropriate speed should be. Even where a speed limit is 70 MPH, driving at 65 MPH on an ice-covered road in the middle of a blizzard could be reckless driving.
Improper Lane Changes/Weaving In-and-Out of Traffic
Even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, there’s always that one driver who thinks that constantly changing lanes will get them to their destination so much faster. But when traffic is moving and that same driver is suddenly and unexpectedly zipping from lane to lane at high speed, cutting people off, and causing other drivers to slam their brakes, they increase the risk of collisions. This is one of the examples of reckless driving that puts everyone on the road at risk.
Tailgating
The dictionary defines tailgating as driving “dangerously close behind another vehicle.” This reckless driving behavior can happen at any time – in heavy congestion on the highway or in light traffic on a neighborhood street – when one impatient or inattentive driver simply can’t deal with the slower speed of the vehicle in front of them.
Regardless of why a driver tailgates, it is one of the most common and reckless behaviors and is one of the leading causes of crashes and injuries. Not only is tailgating likely to lead to a rear-end crash, but Colorado Springs police considered this a particularly aggressive driving behavior that can lead to road rage incidents or other provocative conduct.
Operating a Dangerous or Unsafe Vehicle
Someone could be the most cautious driver in the world, but if their brakes don’t work, their taillights are out, or their car is otherwise falling apart, it can pose a danger to others on the road. It is simply reckless to hit the road in an inherently dangerous vehicle.
Impaired Driving
Of course, few examples of reckless driving are as audacious and irresponsible as getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Nevertheless, drivers in El Paso and other Colorado counties still drive impaired, causing countless injuries and taking thousands of lives each year.
Similarly, drowsy or distracted driving, such as texting while driving, impairs the driver’s awareness of their surroundings or ability to react to other cars and conditions.
Injured By a Reckless Driver? Speak With a Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorney Today
If you suffered injuries due to any of these examples of reckless driving or in any type of accident, you need an experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorney on your side. At King & Beaty, we can help you through this difficult time, getting you the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Please contact us today to arrange for your free initial consultation.
