Careless Driving
In the non-stop, multitasking, ever-connected-to-the web world in which we live, it is all too easy to get into a traffic accident. At this time of year, when schools are starting and children are commuting to school, it is especially important to be careful around stopped buses, busy student pick-up and drop-off locations, school crosswalks and school speed zones. Carelessness in this milieu carries a tremendous potential for tragedy.
Careless driving convictions usually arise out of an accident where gross negligence, intentional recklessness and drugs or alcoholic substances were not involved. Careless driving is a summary offense in which a person drove a vehicle in careless disregard for the safety of persons or property. This could include talking on a cellphone, texting, changing a CD or radio station, falling asleep at the wheel, or taking one’s eyes off the road for just a moment to check on a child in the back seat.
Careless driving should not be underestimated as it carries serious consequences. A careless driving conviction:
- Adds three points to your Pennsylvania driving record
- Results in a fine of $250 if it involves serious bodily injury to another person
- Results in a fine of $500 if it involves a fatality caused by your driving
- Carries a potential jail sentence of up to 90 days
- Sends your insurance premiums to new highs
To avoid the serious consequences of a careless driving conviction, a driver should seek informed advice. Few drivers are aware of the consequences of such a conviction. Many citizens don’t realize that simply paying the ticket is actually an admission of guilt rather than a convenient way to “get it over with.”
A negotiated lesser charge does not add points to your driving record, risk your driver’s license status, or send your insurance rates up. Skilled traffic defense lawyers in Berks County can look at your facts and circumstances, advise you on the best course of action to take, and if necessary, negotiate for a lesser charge and help you avoid the unpleasant consequences of a careless driving conviction.
