Latest Blogs

You have seen it. Vehicle drivers running red lights, making illegal turns, cutting off drivers, swerving in and out of lanes, talking/texting while driving and generally operating their vehicles in unsafe manners; unsafe manners which can cause accidents resulting in injuries and even deaths. In other words, reckless driving. When the media reports on accidents in the United States, the most common causes are reckless driving.

It is the responsibility of motorists to make safe driving choices while on the roads so they do not endanger themselves, other drivers, cyclists or pedestrians. Driving motor vehicles is dangerous business. The possibility of hurting other drivers is elevated when reckless drivers elect to ignore the safety of others.

"If you or someone you know has been injured in a reckless driving accident, consult the personal injury lawyers at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights," said Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

How does Florida law define reckless driving?

Under Florida statute 316.192, a reckless driver and reckless driving are defined as:

• Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
•  Fleeing a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle is reckless driving.

Common examples of reckless driving by Road and Track (Hearst Communications) website are:

• Excessive speeding
• Swerving
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Following too closely or tailgating
• Passing on the right
• Accelerating and braking suddenly
• Disobeying traffic signs
• Road rage
• Distracted driving

Reporting a reckless driver

In the Consumer Reports article "Should I call 911 to report a reckless driver?" a Connecticut State Police Lieutenant says, "If you see someone driving recklessly whether it be from texting, drunk or drowsy driving, being overly aggressive, or otherwise careless driving, report it by calling 911. But only call if you feel it's a dangerous situation. Remember, the 911 system is intended to render urgent assistance in true emergencies. 911 should not be used for simple motor vehicle violations. The driving behavior must be a danger to the public and place people in harm's way," says Lieutenant Vance.

The Consumer Reports article further says that if it is safe to do so, when reporting the behavior, you will need to have as many details as possible such as the license plate number, the state from which the license plate was issued, the car make, model and color along with the number of people in the vehicle.  In addition, what the reporting person thought the vehicle was doing that made it appear to be reckless and where it happened. They recommend not following the vehicle, nor shooting a cell phone picture because these actions may magnify the potential roadway dangers.

If you cannot call 911 because it is not an urgent situation, then you could submit the information to a national database at ReportDangerousDrivers.com . This website anonymously collects and files incident reports along with license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions.

Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.