Distinguishing Between Aggressive and Reckless Driving in Houston

If you live in Houston, Texas, chances are you have experienced some aggressive or reckless drivers. Houston’s roadways tend to be quite busy, and long stretches of highway can often contribute to poor driving behaviors, which also increase the risks of car accidents.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving aggressive or reckless drivers. We can help you file a claim, collect necessary evidence, and get the compensation you deserve if you have been a victim of an accident that could have been prevented.

Keep reading to find out more about reckless and aggressive driving and how the two differ.

What is the Difference Between Reckless Driving and Aggressive Driving?

Many people automatically categorize reckless and aggressive driving as being the same thing as they can both fall under road rage. However, there are some key factors that make these driving behaviors different as they can lead to different actions and different consequences.

If you have been involved in an accident as a result of reckless or aggressive driving, identifying which one applies can be important when you are creating your claim.

Aggressive Driving Examples

When examining reckless driving versus aggressive driving, the NHTSA defines aggressive driving as a traffic offense that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. Aggressive driving is a punishable offense in Houston, Texas, but the repercussions of this behavior will often depend on what the driver’s intentions were when they acted aggressively.

Some examples of aggressive driving in Houston include:

• Tailgating
• Excessive speeding
• Frequent lane changes
• Throwing things at other drivers
• Assaulting other drivers
• Running other vehicles off the road

When examining aggressive and reckless driving, aggressive driving is classified as a more serious crime in many instances. Depending on the situation, these behaviors could lead to criminal charges, especially if they result in an accident, injury, or property damage.

Reckless Driving Examples

In Texas, reckless driving is defined as a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. When compared to aggressive driving, reckless driving will usually result in a misdemeanor charge, but it could result in a felony, depending on the repercussions of the reckless behavior. Here are some examples of reckless driving in Houston:

• Weaving through traffic
• Running red lights
• Tailgating
• Driving the wrong way
• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Acting aggressively towards other drivers

Penalties For Aggressive or Reckless Driving in Houston, TX

When it comes to the penalties for reckless and aggressive driving, the consequences are very dependent on each specific situation. Reckless driving in Houston is usually categorized as a misdemeanor and could result in penalties such as:

• A fine of up to $200
• Up to 30 days in county jail
• A fine with jail time

Those who engage in reckless driving could also face the potential of a license suspension if they are designated as a habitual violator.

The laws are a bit murky in terms of aggressive driving as the repercussions are dependent on the situation and the result of the aggressive behaviors. Aggressive drivers could face similar fines as those for reckless driving as well as potential jail time if they are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony offense. Repeat offenders could also face license suspension and additional fines, such as tickets.

If you are the victim of a reckless or aggressive driver and their behavior results in an accident, you may want to file a claim. Before you do this, you need to get the help of an experienced car accident attorney in Houston who can help you file a strong claim with substantial evidence against the other driver.

How to Stay Safe When Driving in Houston

No matter where you go, aggressive and reckless driving is a serious problem but in larger cities like Houston, it can become more prevalent. The reality is that all drivers can find themselves behaving poorly in the heat of the moment. All drivers need to be very aware of their actions so that they stay safe and cool headed on the road.

If at any point you find yourself sharing the road with someone who is behaving recklessly or aggressively, there are a few things you should do:

• Stay calm: If another driver is behaving aggressively or recklessly, the last thing you want to do is respond in a similar way. Stay calm and avoid imitating their actions or reacting angrily.
• Don’t engage: If another driver is behaving inappropriately, such as yelling or throwing items at your vehicle, avoid engaging with them. Do not behave in the same way and try to find a way to get away, such as changing lanes or pulling off onto a different road.
• Report them: If you notice a driver behaving recklessly or aggressively, the best thing to do is to report them to law enforcement. In some instances, drivers may be driving under the influence, which is why they are behaving inappropriately.
• Be courteous: In many situations, drivers may behave badly in the moment because they misjudge another driver’s actions. Err on the side of caution and give other drivers the benefit of the doubt instead of reacting in anger.
• Stay safe after accidents: If an aggressive or reckless driver causes an accident, your first priority needs to be to protect yourself. If they are obviously angry and aggressive, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked if possible. Avoid interacting with them and wait for law enforcement to arrive to avoid escalating the situation.

Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers will support you every step of the way when filing a car accident claim if you are the victim of reckless, aggressive driving. We can help you file a strong claim, uncover critical evidence, and act as your advocate to ensure a favorable outcome.

Do you need help filing a car accident claim connected to reckless and aggressive driving? Call our Houston office today at 832-745-4878 to speak with one of our attorneys.