Every state has laws and rules to keep their roadways as safe as possible, but nowadays not everyone obeys the rules. Certain actions that drivers take on the road may be considered reckless driving that unfortunately can result in car accidents and serious injuries to other drivers or innocent bystanders. The state of Tennessee defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle -- car, motorcycle, or truck -- with wanton disregard for the safety of others on the road.

Examples of Reckless Driving

Since reckless driving is any action that puts others in danger, the violation can be a simple as speeding to as serious as not yielding to school buses. Other examples of reckless driving include:

Most of the time, first-time offenders charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol are not given as serious charges as those who are accused of subsequent offenses. A first-time DUI may result in fines, a minimum of 48 hours in jail, and the requirement to go through a treatment program. Serious cases involving injuries or death are given stiffer penalties. However, for the most part, the state of Tennessee tries to make sure that first offenders will not be convicted of another DUI offense. The more convictions on a person’s record, the harsher the punishments will be.

What Happens if a Driver Reaches Four DUI Offenses?

With each DUI conviction, a driver sees his or her license revoked for a certain amount of time: one year for first offenses, two years for second offenses, and six years for third offenses. Drivers are able to apply for a restricted license during the period of revocation.

This past February, two Cookeville High School students were fatally injured in a tragic motor vehicle collision. The accident occurred when the teen driver lost control of the vehicle, which rolled and ultimately collided with a tree. It was a sobering reminder of the risks all teenage drivers face. 

Every year, thousands of American teenagers die in car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2,433 teens were killed in car wrecks during a recent 12-month period. An additional 290,000 teenagers suffered injuries that required hospitalization over that span. 

On January 1, 2019, four Nashville teens were injured when an 18 year old man crashed his car into a tree. After the collision, the driver and passengers were rushed to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Tragically, the driver suffered fatal injuries. 

Metro Nashville Police identified the cause of the accident as reckless driving. This form of driver negligence, which endangers all drivers on the road, encompasses a variety of activities, and it is important to be able to identify these behaviors. Understanding the dangers of reckless driving can help you avoid a dangerous motor vehicle collision. 

Common Forms of Reckless Driving

Every year, thousands of Americans are fatally injured due to the negligent actions of reckless drivers. As a driver, you can increase your safety if you can accurately recognize forms of reckless driving, including: