Reckless Driving in Chester County

In Pennsylvania in 2017, there were a total of 128,188 traffic accidents. These crashes resulted in more than 80,000 injuries and 1,137 fatalities statewide. Despite the increased awareness and efforts of law enforcement, motorists continue to drive recklessly. Examples may include distracted driving, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and extreme acts of aggressive driving.

Reckless Driving (§3736)

Pennsylvania law defines reckless driving as when a driver operates a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety” of other people or property. These acts are considered a summary offense that carries a fine of $200. Summary offenses are less serious than misdemeanors in Pennsylvania. A maximum jail term of 90 days and a fine of $300 may be imposed.

Distracted Driving

Pennsylvania has trailed many other states in the implementation of laws that prohibit distracted driving and that impose significant penalties.  The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has a Transportation Committee that is actively working to address these concerns. Some of the measures that are pending include prohibiting drivers under 18 from using a hand-held device in any manner while driving. They are also seeking to increase existing penalties for text messaging from $50 to $200.

A recent study was posted that revealed driver behavior nationwide as follows:

  • 37% of those between 18 and 34 feel pressure to respond to work-related calls and messages while driving
  • Parents with young children are among those most likely to be driving while distracted
  • More than 30% of females said they have taken a photo using a handheld device while driving

Aggravated Assault by Vehicle (§3732)

When acts such as reckless driving are committed with gross negligence that results in serious bodily harm to others, charges of aggravated vehicular assault may apply. This is a third-degree felony offense that is punishable by a maximum of seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Gross negligence involves actions that were intentional and extend beyond ordinary indifference or acts of recklessness.

In addition to any other penalties, the court may order imprisonment for two-years. This applies if the driver was operating in a work zone (construction zone), without having a valid operator's license, or was approaching an emergency vehicle.

Homicide by Vehicle (§3732)

When a motorist's reckless driving is committed with gross negligence that results in a fatality, charges of vehicular homicide may apply. This is also a third-degree felony offense. In addition to any other penalties, the offender may be ordered to complete a sentence of five years in prison. This applies if the driver was operating in a work zone (construction zone), without having a valid operator's license, or was approaching an emergency vehicle.

Pennsylvania Attorney for Defending Allegations of Serious Traffic Violations

Drivers who are accused of operating a vehicle in a recklessly or carelessly manner can face significant penalties, particularly when injuries are incurred. LLF Law Firm are seasoned criminal defense lawyers that has been representing clients in these and other similar cases for many years. For a complimentary case consultation, contact the office at (888) 535-3686.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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