The Consequences of Reckless Driving in Connecticut

 Posted on May 21, 2018 in Traffic Violations

It is illegal to drive recklessly in Connecticut. Reckless driving “requires a conscious choice of action either with knowledge of the serious danger to others involved in it or with knowledge of facts which would disclose this danger to a reasonable” person.

While speeding and driving under the influence might not by themselves constitute reckless driving, they can contribute to a reckless driving charge. However, if the vehicle speed is so fast that it endangers another person’s life, then that alone is considered reckless. Driving faster than 85 miles per hour generally falls into that category. Tailgating (following another car too closely) is another example of reckless driving.

The punishment for reckless driving is:

• First offenders are subject to a fine between $100-$300 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
• Repeat offenders are subject to a fine up to $600 and/or one year in prison.
• Losing your driver’s license for up to 90 days.

The penalties could be more severe if your reckless driving causes fatalities. You could also be subject to additional criminal charges depending on the situation.

Recent Examples of Reckless Driving

Wilton police arrested a 32-year-old Fairfield man in April after he lost control of his vehicle and smashed into a utility pole. The man kept driving even though he lost a tire and a wheel well. He was charged with reckless driving, evading police, and failure to stay in the proper lane.

Fairfield police arrested a Bridgeport woman after receiving reports that she kept crossing over the double yellow line and almost struck a utility pole. While that behavior is an example of reckless driving, she was ultimately charged with driving under the influence.

In February, a 59-year-old Bridgeport woman drove the wrong way on Merritt Parkway in Fairfield and caused a three-car accident, according to Connecticut State Troopers. She ran head-on into another vehicle, which slammed into a third vehicle. Three people went to the hospital with injuries. She was charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and driving the wrong way on a divided highway.

Connecticut State Troopers arrested two people after a high-speed chase on Interstate 95 in February. The driver hit speeds over 120 miles per hour before eventually losing control of the vehicle and hitting a barrier on an off-ramp. He and one of the passengers tried to escape on foot, but police apprehended them. The driver, a juvenile, was charged with reckless driving, reckless endangerment, engaging police in a pursuit, and several other offenses.

Contact Us Today for Assistance

Reckless driving is a serious offense in Connecticut, which is why you need an experienced defense attorney. Contact the dedicated Fairfield reckless driving defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner today for a free consultation.

Sources:

http://wilton.dailyvoice.com/police-fire/man-charged-with-reckless-driving-evading-police-after-route-33-crash/735851/

https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Report-of-reckless-driver-leads-to-DUI-charge-12804908.php

http://ridgefield.dailyvoice.com/news/two-arrested-after-police-chase-through-fairfield-county/732523/

http://fairfield.dailyvoice.com/police-fire/wrong-way-driver-on-merritt-parkway-causes-three-car-crash/732864/