It is frustrating to read stories about people who jeopardize the lives of others simply because they are too self-absorbed to care about the safety of others. According to The St.Petersburg Tribune, the Florida Highway Patrol cited a Tampa man for careless driving which resulted in a five-car crash on Interstate 275.
The crash occurred on the afternoon of July 2. Erik Chevere-Figueroa, 31, was driving southbound on I-275 when he tried to pass a car in the outside lane. Chevere-Figueroa collided into the car when he tried to make the high-speed lane change.
His vehicle then hit another car before he started to spin across the road where he struck two other vehicles.
Chevere-Figueroa and his 28-year-old passenger were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. However, the driver of another vehicle was rushed to the hospital for injuries.
What Is the Difference Between Reckless Driving and Careless Driving?
According to Florida statute 316.1925, a person who does not drive “in a careful and prudent manner…so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person,” is committing a careless driving violation.
Florida statute 316.192 explains what constitutes reckless driving: “Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
Careless driving is not a criminal infraction; it will only carry a fine or points on a driver’s license. A person charged with reckless driving faces a criminal offense and could get jail time and a heftier fine.
The distinction between the two is in assessing the state of mind of the driver at the time the violation was committed. If the intent of the driver is shown that they were purposefully negligent in driving, they will be charged with reckless driving.
Whether he was charged with reckless driving or careless driving, Chevere-Figueroa was endangering the lives of everyone around him. A person like him should not be able to continue in his careless ways.
Source: http://tbo.com/pinellas-county/troopers-careless-driver-caused-five-car-crash-on-i-275-20140702/