On average, there are six million automobile accidents annually on America’s three million miles of public roadways. Also on these roadways are millions of careless drivers putting surrounding drivers in danger.
Careless Driving is oftentimes confused with reckless driving; careless is even recognized in the dictionary as part of the definition for reckless, and vice-versa. However, in legal terms, reckless driving includes wanton disregard, which is a higher standard to place an individual than careless. Careless driving simply means failing to drive in a careful manner under the circumstances to the degree that it puts others in danger, which can include running a red light or passing improperly while speeding.
Careless Driving in Savannah
Here in Savannah, Georgia, careless driving accounts for many traffic violations and compromises the safety of a person’s property. Although this can easily be avoided, many people in Savannah continue to receive tickets for such offenses.
A few acts that may be considered careless driving include the following:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Tailgating
- Improperly changing lanes
- Improper passing
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Running a red light
- Speeding
Typically, law enforcement officials will use the careless driving statute to issue citations when they do not believe a violation applies elsewhere. The law states that a driver must have endangered the life, limb or property of another individual in order to receive a citation for careless driving.
Georgia Super Speeder Law
The Georgia Super Speeder Law was put into place on January 1, 2010. Georgia defines a super speeder as an individual who is convicted of speeding at 75 miles per hour or faster on a two-lane road, or an individual who is convicted of speeding 85 miles per hour or above on any highway or road in the state of Georgia. These drivers are not only required to pay the fines and fees where the offense occurred, but in addition, must pay a $200 Super Speeder state fee. Plus, those who fail to pay the fine within 120 days will result in the suspension of all driving privileges including a suspended license or permit along with an additional $50.00 fee.
All additional fees collected under the Georgia Super Speeder Law are used to help fund Georgia’s trauma care hospital system. Not to mention, 60 percent of Georgia’s trauma care hospital system is composed of automobile accident related victims. Thus, careless drivers are contributing to new hospital beds and other necessities to help crash victims recover.