“FLORIDA RANKS FOURTH IN NATION WITH MOST RECKLESS DRIVERS”

According to Florida Politics, the state of Florida has no shortage of reckless drivers. A study was completed by the Barnes Firm which ranked Florida the fourth worst state in the country for reckless drivers. If you have been injured due to the reckless driving of another in the state of Florida or Georgia, call Barnes Cohen & Sullivan for a free consultation for your personal injury.

What is Reckless Driving?

Florida Statute 316.192 defines reckless driving as driving a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property”. This can include a variety of dangerous behaviors, such as:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Weaving in and out of traffic
  • Running red lights
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Street racing

Factors used to compile a list for reckless driving

When it comes to reckless driving, numbers have vastly increased due to the increase of drivers and distractions on the roads. Such factors found by the National Highway Traffic include:

  • Amounts of fatal crashes related to distracted drivers
  • Speeding
  • Alcohol statistics

Reckless Driving Statistics

According to the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), every 44 seconds in Florida, a crash occurs.

  • One of seven crashes is due to a distracted driver
  • In 2023, the amount of Floridians texting and driving was 6,629
  • In 2023, 29,946 distracted driving citations were issued due to failure to maintain a single lane

Your Role in Preventing Reckless Driving

Every driver has a responsibility to share the road safely. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of reckless driving:

  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Maintain a safe following distance
  • Avoid distractions while driving
  • Buckle up
  • Report reckless drivers to law enforcement

 

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Florida

Penalties for reckless driving in Florida can vary depending on the number of previous offenses and whether there was property damage or personal injury:

  • First offense

A second-degree misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or six months of probation, and four points on your driver’s license

  • Second or subsequent offense

A second-degree misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both

  • Property damage

A first-degree misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or 12 months of probation

  • Serious bodily injury

A third-degree felony with a fine of up to $5,000, up to five years in jail, or both

 

 

If you have been injured due to negligence in Florida or Georgia, our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is here to help you. From our offices in Jacksonville, FL and Kingsland, GA, we get results for people suffering physically and financially from a wide variety of injuries. We hold the negligent accountable for the pain and suffering they have caused. We provide our clients with personalized one-on-one representation and develop customized legal strategies designed to win the maximum possible compensation for their cases.