RECKLESS DRIVING - CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT

A reckless driving charge or a careless and imprudent ( C and I ) charge; is often; but not always the result of some type of vechicle accident.

The terminology varies state by state, but the meaning is always similar. In many states, you will receive a minimum of 4 points on your driving record, or whatever unit of measure is used in your state.

In most states, depending on the charge, you may face a serious moving violation. In addition, a conviction can result in increased insurance premiums. Whether you have already been charged or not, it's best with a reckless driving charge to have an attorney to protect your interests.

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Reckless Driving and Driver Responsibilities

According to state law, every person driving a motor vehicle on state roads and highways is required to exercise a reasonable amount of care and drive at a speed that will not endanger the life or property of other people.

Anyone who fails to comply with this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. If this behavior results in an accident, it is considered a class A misdemeanor.

Reckless Driving Can Include:

• Speeding
• Driving faster than weather conditions permit
• Driving after drinking - Even if BAC is under the limit
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Carrying too many passengers
• Failing to yield to other drivers
• Other negligent behavior

Careless and Imprudent Driving (C and I):

A careless and imprudent driving charge can carry 6 points on your license. That is close to a suspension on your license.

Cell Phones

There is a heated, ongoing debate regarding cell phones - both talking and particularly texting while driving and how these actions may relate to reckless driving or careless and imprudent driving.

Few will actually argue that it is not dangerous. However, passing legislation banning it meets resistance; especially by those who make their living using the phone; such as realtors, salesmen, contractors, etc.

The agruments tend to be that if you pass laws against cell phone usage while driving, laws should also be passed against other types of dangerous behaviors while driving. These risky behaviors would include eating, reading, putting on makeup, find your baby's pacifier, etc. The debate ends up with statements such as, "you can't mandate common sense", but the bottom line is fellow motorists are put at risk.

Penalties for reckless driving and careless and imprudent driving:

There is a wide range of punishments, or potential sentences, for these offenses depending on whether there are aggravating or mitigating circumstances, whether the offender has prior convictions, whether alcohol was involved, and also whether there are additional charges being filed in conjuntion with a careless a nd imprudent driving charge. If a fatality resulted, there is also very high potential civil liability on the party allegedly responsibile for the fatal injury.

Click Here if you have a Reckless Driving charge in Missouri or Kansas

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