A vehicle in the hands of a reckless driver may cause great harm or even death in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Thus, reckless driving in Oklahoma is treated as a serious crime.
What is Reckless Driving in Oklahoma?
Reckless driving in Oklahoma is defined as driving carelessly or wantonly and without regard for the safety of persons or property around you. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-901
Carelessly implies a lack of intent. Wantonly implies a clear disregard for the safety of others.
Anything that you do while driving that puts another person or their property at risk is considered reckless driving in Oklahoma. This statute is meant to cover a number of situations that might put others at risk when someone is behind the wheel.
Did you take potentially mood-altering medications or have a drink while out with friends for dinner? If either impairs your driving, you may want to skip it. Forget the drink or stay home.
Reckless driving in Oklahoma is a charge that may accompany a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated). A DUI may be pleaded down to a charge of reckless driving. But the penalties for both are harsh.
Here are some other examples of driving behaviors that might be charged as reckless driving depending on the severity of the behavior and upon traffic conditions: driving above the speed limit, tailgating, running a stop sign or a red light, weaving in and out of lanes, or cutting in front of another car and applying your brakes.
A first conviction of reckless driving in Oklahoma is punishable by 5 to 90 days of jail time, a fine between $100 and $500, or both.
The penalties become harsher with subsequent convictions.
Additional Considerations
Oklahoma law requires that a driver pay full attention to driving while behind the wheel of a car. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-901b
Distracted driving is reckless driving. Specifically, in Oklahoma, using your cell phone while driving is considered distracted driving and will expose you to additional fines. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-901c
Finally, if your reckless driving causes personal injury or death, you may be subject to additional fines and incarceration. You also may be charged with negligent homicide, a serious crime. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-904
Low-cost Consultation: Okmulgee Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one needs to speak with an Okmulgee criminal defense lawyer, call (918) 756-9600 or toll-free at 1(888) 447-7262 (Wirth Law).
The first consultation at the Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee is low-cost, and of course confidential.
