What factors contribute to the determination of a reckless driving charge?

The determination of a reckless driving charge primarily centers around behaviors that exhibit a willful disregard for the safety of others on the road. Excessive speed and aggressive driving are critical factors in this context because they demonstrate a blatant violation of traffic laws and an inherent risk to both the driver and other road users.

Excessive speed can significantly increase the severity of accidents and reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations, while aggressive driving behaviors—such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and making unsafe lane changes—reflect a reckless attitude toward driving. These actions go beyond mere traffic violations; they embody a disregard for societal norms and the safety of others.

In contrast, while weather conditions, road type, driver age, vehicle make, time of day, and traffic signal status can influence driving conditions or behaviors, they are not definitive indicators of recklessness. The focus for a reckless driving charge is on the driver's actions rather than external factors or characteristics. Thus, excessive speed and aggressive driving are the primary contributors to assessing reckless driving.