How Reckless Driving in Low Speed Limit Zones Become an Aggravating Factor

When it comes to reckless driving in PA, you may want to think twice. Reckless driving in low-speed limit zones can become an aggravating factor in an array of different ways. It may even cause you to have to enlist the assistance of a criminal defense attorney PA.

Below is a list of examples in which you may need the help of criminal defense attorneys to represent you if you are arrested or issued a citation for reckless driving PA. First, let us take a look at how reckless driving is defined in the state of Pennsylvania.

What is Reckless Driving?

It can be considered reckless driving when a driver of a car, truck, SUV, or other types of vehicle operates the vehicle in a way that poses a threat to others. Reckless driving is very much dependent on the factors of each person’s individual case.

All states have laws in place that make reckless driving illegal, but there is a difference between many state laws as to what constitutes reckless driving. In Pennsylvania, reckless driving is defined as any person who drives any type of vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or the property of others or property is guilty of reckless driving. Basically, the law defines driving recklessly as any driving behavior by the operator of a vehicle who is posing an obvious threat to other people or property. The word obvious is very important because, in most states, Pennsylvania included, an honest mistake will probably not be considered to be reckless. Instead, the conduct of the driver has to be bad enough that the driver should have reasonably known he was causing a dangerous situation that could harm other drivers or even pedestrians and others.

Reckless Driving Pennsylvania

Greater Risk of an Accident Occurring

If the operator of a vehicle is driving in a low-speed zone, such as in a parking lot, for example, and he or she is driving recklessly, it increases the risk of a rear-end collision or other types of accident. This can cause someone to be injured and vehicles to be damaged.

Endangering Pedestrians

It is common in the state of Pennsylvania to have lower speed zones in areas where there is more foot traffic. For instance, school zones, residential neighborhoods, and areas where there are a lot of grocery stores and other shopping facilities are located attract more pedestrian traffic. The speed limit in these areas has to be slower to protect the safety of kids and adults who will be crossing the streets in the area. If a driver is being reckless in these types of areas, it poses a grave danger to children and others.

Increased Risk of Accidents

There is an increased risk of an accident occurring when a driver is driving recklessly in an area where low-speed zones are necessary. If someone is driving erratically and not obeying traffic laws, there is a much higher risk of someone being seriously injured or a significant amount of property damage occurring.

Penalties in Pennsylvania

If you are convicted of reckless driving in Pennsylvania, you can be fined a minimum amount of $200, have your driver’s license suspended for six months, and have up to 90 days behind bars. If you have caused an injury to someone while driving recklessly, you can spend up to one year in jail and have to pay a fine of a minimum of $1000.

By driving recklessly in a low-speed zone, a driver will more than likely be breaking more than one traffic law. These laws will include speed limits, running or rolling stop signs or traffic lights, and failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. All of these types of traffic laws carry their own fines and penalties in addition to the charge, which is the reason you should be represented by a criminal attorney.

A Criminal Defense Attorney PA for an Aggravated Reckless Driving Charge

If you or a loved one has been charged with reckless driving in PA, call the experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at Engle, Kauffman & VanHorn, P.C. They can provide you with the legal representation you need so your rights are protected.