Driving recklessly in Salt Lake City can lead to serious legal consequences. While many people associate reckless driving with excessive speeding, the definition under Utah law is much broader. Reckless operation of a motor vehicle includes a variety of dangerous driving behaviors that show a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others on the road. At the law firm of Swenson & Shelley, our Salt Lake City car accident attorneys are well-versed in Utah traffic laws and can provide legal representation to those facing reckless driving charges.
Types of Reckless Driving
Utah law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle in a way that endangers the lives or safety of the public, with willful and wanton disregard for the consequences. Some common examples of driving behaviors that may be considered reckless include:
- Excessive speeding, especially in areas with heavy traffic, pedestrians, or hazardous road conditions. Driving more than 105 mph is considered reckless.
- Illegally passing other vehicles by driving on the shoulder, median, or wrong side of the road. Passing when there is insufficient room or visibility is extremely dangerous.
- Weaving in and out of traffic lanes or cutting off other vehicles. Failure to use turn signals when making sudden lane changes compounds the recklessness of this behavior.
- Running red lights or stop signs at high speeds. Blowing through an intersection without even slowing down puts lives at risk.
- Engaging in street racing or aggressive driving fueled by “road rage.” Any racing on public streets is unlawful and considered reckless.
- Attempting to elude a police officer by refusing to pull over and accelerating to reckless speeds. Fleeing the police also brings separate criminal charges.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another form of reckless driving. However, DUI and OUI offenses are prosecuted under separate statutes with their own penalties.
Reckless Driving Penalties
Reckless driving in Utah is a criminal offense rather than a civil traffic infraction. It is a misdemeanor.
Penalties may be enhanced if the reckless driving causes a crash resulting in bodily injuries or property damage. Causing serious bodily injury can result in a felony conviction and state prison sentence. Having a prior record of traffic violations can also lead to harsher punishments. Car insurance premiums may increase dramatically after a reckless driving conviction.
Reckless driving endangers everyone sharing the roads. If you have been injured in a crash that is a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our dedicated Salt Lake City car accident lawyers can help you pursue an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the reckless driver. We work tirelessly to hold dangerous drivers accountable and help victims recover the full compensation they deserve.
We Are Here for You
Reckless driving is an extremely serious offense in Utah. If you are facing charges of operating to endanger or have been injured by a reckless driver, the attorneys at Swenson & Shelley are here to protect your rights. Contact our Salt Lake City office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced traffic crime and car accident lawyer who will fight for you.
Kevin Swenson is an award-winning Utah injury attorney and co-founding partner of Swenson & Shelley. With over 30 years of experience, he uses his background as a former insurance defense lawyer to fight for injured individuals, helping clients recover and rebuild after serious accidents.
(435) 767-7777
