Every driver who gets behind the wheel of a car makes a clear statement and a promise to abide by local laws. Those traffic laws are meant to keep everyone else on the road safe. When a driver engages in dangerous driving, they are acting in a reckless manner that can create a serious risk of injury and even death when a serious incident occurs.
Consider what dangerous driving car crashes in Jackson are and why they are so risky to those involved in them. Speak with our car crash attorney in Jackson, MS today.
Examples of Dangerous Driving
Jackson has numerous hotspots that increase the risk of serious injuries, including Route 80, Interstate 55, and Interstate 20. But dangerous driving also occurs in residential communities, near schools, and in commercial districts. Some of the most common types of dangerous driving in Jackson include the following:
Distracted Driving
Across the U.S. in 2024, 3,208 people lost their lives to distracted driving accidents and 315,167 people suffered serious injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Distracted driving may involve:
- Talking on the phone
- Texting or checking emails
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting GPS systems
- Reaching for something
- Paying attention to a crying child
- Applying makeup
It involves any action that takes the driver’s focus off the road, even for just a few seconds. When this happens, the driver may miss critical changes in road conditions, moving vehicles, or traffic signals.
Speeding or Racing
Both speeding and racing are dangerous driving behaviors because they create a much higher risk of serious injuries. When a driver is moving at a higher speed, they have far less time to react to changing conditions, slow down, or avoid striking something that enters their path.
Racing is also serious and, in most cases, illegal. Racing often involves significant speed that can be hard for even a skilled driver to control. Vehicles are not meant to be raced, and mechanical failures often occur, creating dangerous conditions.
Impaired Operation
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also be highly dangerous. Impaired drivers have reduced cognitive control and focus, which means they cannot react quickly enough to changing conditions. Impaired driving can also occur when a person’s cognitive and physical function changes as a result of the use of prescription medications.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is slightly different in that it involves intentional actions that violate the law. Some of the most common types of aggressive driving include:
- Weaving in and out of traffic, especially when there is significant congestion
- Tailgating other drivers, meaning following too closely
- Illegally passing drivers
- Forcing a merge or failing to allow another vehicle to merge
In these situations, drivers are more likely to lose control and lack the space and time to make changes to avoid crashes. Road rage is also a form of this type of aggressive, dangerous driving.
Seeking Legal Guidance
Dangerous driving car crashes in Jackson can also result when a person is unfit to be behind the wheel, due to fatigue, vision concerns, medical impairment, or other concerns. Vehicles may be unsafe as well, especially if they are likely to break down.
In all cases, seek legal support from Hearn Law Firm if you are the victim of these accidents. That includes reaching out to a local attorney to discuss what happened in your Jackson car crash. Call us today for a free consultation.