Drivers who speed, who change lanes abruptly, and who tailgate, can put every other driver on the road at risk. This behavior is considered reckless driving and can be punishable by fines and jail time. More importantly, it can result in devastating accidents that can leave reckless drivers responsible for injuries and deaths.
Aggressive driving would usually be distinguished from “road rage” due to the lack of intention to harm anyone. Aggressive drivers would usually just be in a hurry and guilty of making bad decisions. But those decisions put them at risk of being charged with reckless driving and facing major consequences.
Aggressive Driving Dangers in California
Aggressive driving is a real problem in California. It’s no mystery how this fact contributes to the state’s high accident as well.
Drivers can engage in this and other careless and dangerous behavior:
- Speeding through traffic
- Weaving through lanes
- Tailgating
- Running red lights
- Not using turn signals
- Cutting other drivers off
KRON-TV reports that a 2024 Forbes study named California as the state with the most aggressive drivers.
California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) documented 77,433 accidents in the state involving an injury caused by speeding drivers in 2023. Those accidents cost 887 people their lives.
California’s Transportation Injury Mapping Network (TIMS) recorded 755 accidents involving injury blamed on Los Angeles County drivers who were following too closely. By comparison, Fresno County recorded at least 28 serious accidents caused by tailgating drivers.
Punishment for Aggressive Driving in California
These actions may not be intentional, but they can still result in reckless driving charges. This is a misdemeanor charge that might cost a driver from $145 to $1,000 in fines and/or imprisonment of not less than 5 days and no more than 90 days. The punishment is explained in California Vehicle Code 40008.
There are two further things that reckless drivers should know.
- The fines above don’t include court costs. These fees will greatly increase what you’ll pay.
- If someone suffers a serious injury due to your aggressive driving the fines and potential prison time go way up.
For more information, you can visit our blog running down the other top ten causes of California car accidents.
Make Sure You Hold a Careless Driver Responsible for Your Accident
If you are struck by a reckless driver and suffer car damage or injuries, you are empowered to seek full compensation for repair bills and medical bills.
If you are seriously hurt and another driver is to blame, a California car accident lawyer can provide valuable protection. Insurance companies will look to blame you for the accident so they can get away with offering you nothing to help with recovery.
Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your injury is worth and how to hold insurance companies fully responsible.
