Reckless Driving Tops List of Violations Following Deadly Collisions
In a recent study conducted by pre-settlement legal funding company High Rise Financial, an analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a revealing look into the most common charges drivers faced after being involved in fatal crashes between 2012 and 2021.
The study analyzed the data of 507,728 drivers involved in deadly car accidents. It discovered some striking patterns in the types of offenses charged, from traffic sign violations to reckless driving.
Reckless driving often results in fatal crashes
The most frequent violation associated with these tragic incidents was reckless driving. Reckless driving charges alone accounted for 4.66% of all drivers (23,663) in fatal collisions. The study identified Colorado as the state with the most violations. Roughly 16.02% of drivers in fatal accidents faced reckless driving charges. Nevada and New Jersey trail closely behind Colorado, with 14.95% and 13.80% violations, respectively.
Surprisingly, the second most common charge wasn't directly related to the manner of driving but rather to license and registration violations. For example, 3.92% of drivers involved in fatal collisions faced charges of driving with a withdrawn license. New Hampshire emerged as the state with the highest occurrence of this violation, with 367 out of 1,531 drivers in deadly crashes being charged. Washington and Delaware followed, with 13.62% and 12.21% respectively.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol ranked third in terms of frequency, with 3.92% of drivers in fatal accidents facing such charges. Nevada led in this category as well, with 9.11% of drivers in deadly crashes facing DUI charges. Delaware and North Dakota followed with rates of 6.63% and 5.56%, respectively.
Other violations after deadly collisions
The study further categorized other common violations following fatal crashes. These included turning violations, wrong-side driving, speed-related offenses, and ignoring traffic signs. The percentages of drivers charged with these violations ranged from 0.65% for traffic sign violations to 1.32% for turning violations.
This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the types of behaviors that most frequently lead to charges in fatal road incidents. The findings highlight the critical need for continued efforts in promoting safe driving practices and strict enforcement of traffic laws.
What is reckless driving?
Reckless driving involves disregard for the rules of the road and an indifference to safety. This behavior typically involves:
- Excessive speeding
- Weaving through traffic
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Engaging in aggressive maneuvers
- Tailgating
- Illegal overtaking
Unlike careless driving, which implies a lack of attention, reckless driving suggests a willful and intentional disregard for the safety and well-being of other road users. Under Chapter 484B of Nevada Revised Statutes, reckless driving can result in serious penalties, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it occurred in a work zone or pedestrian safety zone. This includes fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
What are my legal options if I'm injured by a reckless driver?
The legal team at Lasso Injury Law LLC is committed to holding reckless drivers accountable when their actions result in someone's injury or death. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident involving a reckless driver, we can aggressively investigate the incident and fight to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
Our Las Vegas law firm also works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fees unless we win your case. Plus, we offer free consultations so you can ask questions, discuss your situation, and determine the best course of action. To get started, contact us online or call our Las Vegas law office.
