Different Forms of Reckless Driving That Lead to Severe Truck Accidents

Reckless driving is defined as wanton disregard for people and property. This is when drivers do not care about the traffic rules or other road users, thus engaging in behavior that disregards safety.

Reports say that more than 56% of fatal accidents in the United States are caused by reckless driving. Apart from fatalities, victims suffer severe life-long injuries that require expensive medical attention.

Reckless driving is also common among truck drivers and one of the leading causes of truck accidents. If you are ever involved in an accident with a large truck, contact the best 18-wheeler accident law firm to get professional help on how to navigate the claim process.

This article will discuss the different forms of reckless driving and how habits such as speeding contribute to accidents.

Speeding

When drivers exceed the required speed limits, they break the law and increase the risk of severe accidents. At high speeds, vehicles require more time to stop, and drivers have less reaction time to hazards like obstacles.

Also, speeding increases the intensity of collisions. The likelihood of fatal crashes tremendously increases when drivers exceed the speed limit.

Common scenarios where speeding leads to accidents are on highways where drivers feel the pressure to maintain high speeds.

Tailgating

Following another vehicle too closely is a reckless behavior that leads to severe accidents. When drivers tailgate, they reduce the time and space required to react to sudden stops and obstacles. This increases the chances of rear-end collisions and multiple crashes or pileups in busy traffic.

This type of reckless driving is caused by impatience or aggressive behavior. Drivers can move close to the vehicle in front, attempting to intimidate or force others to drive faster.

Distracted Driving

This happens when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road. Distracted driving is common amongst teenagers and young adults who text, scroll on social media, or text on the phone while driving.

Texting while driving is very dangerous as it combines visual, cognitive, and manual functions.

Other forms of distracted driving include:

• Eating
• Adjusting the radio or navigation system
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming themself

When drivers engage in distractions, they compromise their ability to react quickly. This can lead to serious accidents.

Running Stop Signs and Red Lights

Ignoring traffic signals often results in high-speed collisions between vehicles moving in different directions. When drivers fail to yield stop signs, they put themselves and others at risk.

The dangers increase in urban areas where there is a heavy flow of vehicles moving in different directions.

For example, a driver running a red light at an intersection might cause a side-impact collision with another vehicle.

Drunk and Impaired Driving

It is without a doubt that this is the most dangerous form of reckless driving. According to data from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 32% of fatal crashes in the country were caused by drivers who had BAC levels of .08 g/dL or higher.

Alcohol and substances significantly impair a driver’s ability to make sound judgments and respond to road hazards in time. These substances reduce a driver’s

• Reaction time
• Coordination
• Concentration

These lead to poor decision-making and delayed reactions. An impaired driver may fail to maintain their lane, judge distances, or react quickly to traffic changes, making them a danger to themselves and others.

Conclusion

Reckless driving is a serious threat to road safety. Its consequences can be very devastating, causing severe injuries and fatalities.

Behaviors like speeding, driving under the influence, and tailgating increase the chance of road accidents. Therefore, truck drivers should prioritize awareness to protect themselves and other road users.