While the terms “careless driving” and “reckless driving” may sound similar, these traffic violations are not the same. Both refer to a driver not following the rules of the road, but the intent behind each citation and the consequences are what make the difference.
If you’re cited for either careless driving or reckless driving, understanding what both violations mean will help you determine your next steps — and help you understand if you have to pay any fines or penalties; and if you will pay higher auto insurance premiums.
What is careless driving?
Careless driving is the less serious offense of the two traffic citations (in the eyes of the law). It means that the careless driver was disregarding the rules of the road, such as running a red light or forgetting to use turn signals.
Speeding can also be cited as careless driving. If someone is driving 20 mph (or more) over the speed limit and are pulled over in a traffic stop, the charge might be a careless driving charge. However, if the speeding results in an accident, that driver may be charged with reckless driving (more on what that means below). That’s because, while it might sound obvious, speeding poses a serious threat to drivers. Speeding has been a factor in about one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the past two decades. In fact, there were 9,378 speeding-related deaths in 2018 alone.
When it comes to a careless driving violation, law enforcement has ruled that the driver’s intent isn’t to cause harm. In other words, a careless driver operates a car in an irresponsible and dangerous way, but their actions aren’t driven by malice or wanton disregard.
Penalties for careless driving
Careless driving isn’t typically a criminal offense. The driver’s punishment will usually be one of the following:
- Pay a fine
- Receive points on their license in certain states
- Ordered to do community service or attend driving school
An indirect consequence of receiving a careless driving ticket is that it may cause your insurance rates to rise — the average insurance rate increase is 26% after being cited for careless driving. The best way to avoid this rate increase and other penalties for careless driving is to be a fully aware driver who understands and follows the basic rules of the road and operates a motor vehicle in a careful and prudent manner.
What is reckless driving?
Reckless driving is the more severe of the two traffic violations. Each state defines reckless driving differently, but it basically boils down to intentionally driving in a way that puts others in danger. A reckless driver is often deemed by law enforcement to have a “willful or wanton disregard” for human life and the safety of others on the road. Some examples of reckless driving are:
- Driving on the sidewalk
- Drag racing
- Driving under the influence
Distracted driving as reckless driving conviction
Distracted driving is often classified as a form of careless driving, but it can be classified as a form of reckless driving depending on whether it is a first offense, a second or subsequent offense and what state it’s committed in (like in Virginia). You’re especially likely to receive a reckless driving charge if the distracted behavior results in an injury or death — which sadly is all too common. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019.
It’s crucial to understand what distracted driving truly means before you hit the road. Many of us immediately think of texting while behind the wheel, which is one of the deadliest forms. But distracted driving can also refer to other behaviors that require drivers to take their eyes and minds off the road, like:
- Eating and drinking
- Changing the radio station
- Messing with the car’s “infotainment” system.
Drowsy driving as reckless driving offenses
Drowsy drivers could also be charged for reckless driving if it results in an accident. The NHTSA estimates that drowsy driving related crashes caused 697 deaths in 2019. They also found that drowsy driving crashes happen most often between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon due to dips in a person’s circadian rhythm. Drowsy driving crashes also usually involve just one driver running off the road at a high speed, and they frequently happen on rural roads and highways.
Penalties for reckless driving carelessly
As for the penalties for reckless driving, it’s typically classified as a misdemeanor criminal offense. A “misdemeanor” might sound mild, but it’s much more serious than you might think. A reckless driving misdemeanor criminal charge can come with:
- Hefty fines
- Points on your license
- Jail time
However, reckless driving isn’t always a misdemeanor charge. Again, some states consider reckless driving a felony offense depending on the violation — especially if it causes injuries or deaths.
How careless and reckless driving affect insurance
Both careless or reckless driving charges will likely cause your insurance rate to go up. However, you can expect a higher rate hike with a reckless driving charge, since it’s a more serious violation. According to The Zebra, rates can rise by an average of over $500 per six-month period after a reckless driving charge.
Photo credit: The Zebra
How to steer clear of careless and reckless drivers
AAA’s 2019 Traffic Safety Culture Index found that 91% of participants considered aggressive driving to be “very” or “extremely” dangerous. If you encounter an aggressive driver, try these tips to avoid becoming a victim of their bad decisions:
- Don’t offend aggressive drivers by cutting them off, tailgating, driving slowly in the left lane, or obscene gesturing.
- Don’t engage with the driver. Give them a lot of room, and don’t make eye contact if they’re acting angry near you. Consider calling the police if you think an aggressive driver is following you.
- Try a different perspective. Put yourself in the other driver’s shoes and try to understand why they might be driving poorly. Realize that you shouldn’t take their behavior personally.
- If you have a habit of aggressive driving, think about allowing yourself more time to get to your destination to reduce potential triggers. Listen to some good music, books, or podcasts on your way there.
- If that doesn’t seem to work, ask for help. Consider taking anger management classes or check out a self-help book.
Stay safe with Elephant Insurance
The best way to avoid penalties and insurance rate increases for careless or reckless driving is to be a safe, engaged driver. At Elephant Insurance, we want to be there for our drivers when accidents happen. We also want to reward our safe drivers with premium discounts. Get an affordable quote with us to make sure you’re always covered.
Article last updated on June 25th, 2023 at 7:11 pm
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