Speeding, Tailgating, and Running Red Lights: Common Reckless Driving Behaviors That Lead to Crashes

By Jeremy Bradford
Founding Partner

Reckless driving takes many forms—speeding through a yellow light, tailgating in traffic, ignoring a stop sign. In North Carolina, these kinds of aggressive driving behaviors are behind so many of the crashes we see every day. And when they happen, the consequences are often serious. People get hurt. Medical bills pile up. Pain lingers longer than anyone expects.

If you’ve been hit by a reckless driver, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. A North Carolina car accident attorney can help you make sense of what comes next and fight for the compensation you need to heal.

What Are the Common Types of Reckless Driving in North Carolina?

Reckless driving refers to behavior that shows a wanton disregard for the safety of other drivers and road users. It goes beyond carelessness and crosses the line into dangerous, unlawful conduct.

Under G.S. § 20-140, reckless driving includes aggressive driving behaviors that violate basic traffic laws. While this statute supports criminal charges, it also plays a role in civil reckless driving cases when an at-fault driver causes injuries due to their actions.

Victims of these types of accidents may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly even punitive damages to punish the reckless driver for bad behavior.

Excessive Speeding

Excessive speeding is one of the most common reckless driving behaviors. It reduces a driver’s ability to control their vehicle and avoid hazards. Speeding drivers also require more time to stop and are more likely to cause high-speed collisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding contributed to over 12,000 traffic deaths in 2021–an increase of 8% over the previous year. These fatal injuries could often have been prevented if the drivers had followed posted speed limits.

Evidence like black box data or witness statements can help provide excessive speeding and establish liability in a personal injury claim.

Tailgating

Tailgating is another reckless driving behavior that strips away reaction time. When the vehicle ahead brakes, a tailgater has no space to respond. These sudden rear-end crashes often result in whiplash, back injuries, and concussions. Some injuries seem mild at first but turn into long-term issues that disrupt daily life.

Safe driving requires space. When a driver ignores that, it reflects a pattern of aggressive driving. In civil cases, tailgating often provides a strong basis for proving liability.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Intersections demand attention, but not every driver gives it. Some push through the last seconds of yellow. Others ignore stop signs entirely. The result is often a violent crash in the middle of the road.

Running red lights and failing to stop at intersections are among the most common causes of T-bone and multi-vehicle collisions. These crashes tend to be severe, especially when one or more vehicles are moving at full speed. Victims may suffer broken bones, head trauma, or internal injuries that require immediate and ongoing care.

Traffic cameras, intersection surveillance, and police reports often capture these violations. These types of evidence play a crucial role in establishing fault and holding reckless drivers accountable in court.

Other Types of Reckless Driving

Reckless driving isn’t limited to speeding or blowing through traffic signs. It can show up in all kinds of driving behavior that ignores the safety of others.

Unsafe lane changes are a common example. Drivers who weave through traffic, fail to signal, or cut off other vehicles often lose control of their own. These actions raise the risk of sideswipe accidents and chain-reaction crashes, especially at higher speeds.

Distracted driving is just as dangerous. Glancing at a phone, fiddling with the GPS, or reaching for food may seem harmless—but it only takes a second for traffic to change. That moment of distraction can cause life-altering injuries.

Impaired driving slows down reaction time and clouds decision-making. Alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can make even basic maneuvers risky. Many fatal crashes involve some form of impairment behind the wheel.

Road rage often involves a mix of reckless driving behaviors. A driver who tailgates, flashes their lights, or speeds up to block someone creates danger for everyone in their path. These choices often lead to avoidable collisions.

Each of these behaviors violates traffic laws and puts lives at risk. If you were injured by a reckless driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. An attorney can help you prove fault, recover your losses, and seek justice for the harm you’ve experienced.

What to Do After a Crash with a Reckless Driver

If you were hit by a reckless or aggressive driver, you should:

  • Call emergency services and seek medical attention
  • Document the crash scene and damage to your vehicle
  • Get witness names and contact information
  • Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or their insurer
  • Contact an attorney as soon as possible

A personal injury lawyer can:

  • Investigate the crash and gather evidence
  • Protect you from unscrupulous insurance company tactics
  • Prove the at-fault driver acted recklessly
  • Handle communications with the insurance company
  • Help you pursue justice and financial recovery

You don’t have to do this alone.

Talk to a North Carolina Attorney Who Puts Your Recovery First

At Bradford Law, we understand the impact these crashes can have on your health, finances, and future, so we help victims of reckless driving accidents just like you hold aggressive drivers accountable.

If you were injured in a car crash caused by speeding, tailgating, running red lights, or any other type of reckless driving, schedule a free consultation today. We are here to help you understand your options and protect your rights.

About the Author
I am Jeremy Bradford, the founding and managing attorney of Bradford Law. From my offices in Charlotte, NC, I travel all across North Carolina helping injured people fight against insurance companies, in what could be life-altering circumstances. I have made a point to develop strong relationships with my clients. I take the trust my clients put in me personally and put myself into every case. If my client calls, my client will always be able to speak directly with me. You will get to know me as we work our way through the personal injury process. So when we make recommendations on whether to settle or go to trial, you will know your best interests are always at heart.