Over the past several years, reckless driving in Maryland has become a growing public safety concern. From excessive speeding to aggressive tailgating and running red lights, reckless driving behaviors are putting more people at risk on Maryland’s roads. Despite public awareness campaigns and increased law enforcement efforts, the number of accidents and fatalities linked to reckless driving in Maryland continues to rise.
What Is Reckless Driving in Maryland?
Under Maryland law, reckless driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. Common examples of reckless driving behaviors include:
- Driving significantly faster than the speed limit
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Road rage and aggressive tailgating
- Street racing
- Failing to yield the right of way
Reckless driving in Maryland is classified as a misdemeanor and carries penalties such as a fine of up to $1,000 and six points on your driver’s license. If enough points accumulate, your license may be suspended or revoked. In more serious cases, like where the behavior led to injury or death, reckless driving can lead to jail time.
How Common Is Reckless Driving in Maryland?
The numbers behind reckless driving in Maryland paint a troubling picture. According to data from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), there were over 7,700 crashes involving speeding in 2023 alone. These resulted in more than 100 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries. Additionally, a report from AAA found that one in three fatal crashes in Maryland involves aggressive driving, including speeding. The state also saw a 31% increase in traffic deaths over the past decade.
What Is the Government Doing?
In response to these troubling trends, Maryland lawmakers have passed new legislation aimed at curbing reckless driving. One law, often referred to as “Kepp’s Law,” imposes harsher penalties for reckless driving, including the potential for up to 60 days in jail. Another legislative push has been to make it easier for police to cite reckless drivers and for judges to impose harsher penalties for repeat or particularly dangerous offenses. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the seriousness of reckless driving in Maryland.
How Can You Protect Yourself on the Road?
While you can’t control the actions of others, there are several ways to reduce your risk of being involved in a crash due to reckless driving in Maryland:
- Always stay alert and focused. Keep your eyes on the road, avoid distractions like texting, and be aware of your surroundings.
- Tailgating is a common type of reckless driving, so you should always maintain at least a three-second distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- If you encounter an aggressive or reckless driver, don’t engage. Do not make eye contact, retaliate, or escalate the situation. Instead, slow down and let them pass, or take the next exit if necessary.
- It may sound obvious, but consistently obeying traffic laws is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe. Speeding, running red lights, and rolling through stop signs are dangerous even if no one else is around.
- Finally, if you see someone driving dangerously, call #77 to report them to the Maryland State Police. If they are putting someone in immediate danger, dial 911. Try to note the vehicle make, color, license plate, and what direction they were headed.
Partner with an Experienced Attorney at The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you are involved in a car accident, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultations are both available to clients.