Reckless driving: what to do and what not to do

Reckless driving can result in life changing events for many people involved. And it is for this reason that it is such an important traffic violation throughout the world. While it is important to educate new drivers about the dangers, the same can be said for experienced road users; both groups being likely to cause accidents.

While cases of serious injury to people as a result of reckless driving are fortunately rare, there are still cases where people have been seriously injured, crippled for life, or killed. However, while these are rare cases, it is more luck than judgment.

The truth is that most drivers have been guilty of reckless driving at one time or another. In many cases, this has not been detected. Lucky again, but it doesn’t do well.

Driving over the speed limit is possibly the most common form of reckless driving; and there are few who have not. While you may feel like you still have perfect control of the car, chances are you won’t if there’s a blowout, a kid runs into the road, or you hit an oil slick under braking.

While it is necessary to pass slower traffic, the constant weaving between lanes; particularly at high speeds, it’s another road hazard that many drivers have committed.

There is no denying that racing with friends or family in a car is exciting. And, there is nothing wrong with this; when performed in a supervised and controlled manner on a track day at a race circuit. But there is no excuse for drag racing on public roads. A sport played by newly qualified drivers to show off often results in an accident, which can prove fatal.

Possibly the most egregious form of reckless driving is drinking and driving; or take drugs and drive. Such is the process that alcohol or drugs have in the human body, the responses and the senses are limited. This is the worst way, mainly because it shows a complete disregard for security; personal and that of others. Worse, it’s premeditated and so easy to avoid.

It’s not hard to stay away from reckless driving; all that is needed is respect for the vehicle you are driving, respect for your limitations, and respect for others. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and we would all do well to remember that.