In Detail

A reckless driving offense is an offense in which any person operating a motor vehicle on public roads does so in a knowingly unlawful fashion that could potentially put other animate objects in danger.

Penalty

Reckless driving, depending on the state, can result in penalties ranging from large fine ($1,000 or more) to several years in jail. The penalty usually depends on the severity of the crime and is decided in mandatory traffic court.

Common Causes

Reckless driving has been known to have many different causes, including but not limited to: Marital/relationship issues, drunk driving, driving under the influence of elicit drugs, borderline personality disorder and depression.

Peer Pressure

Among the most often studied and debated causes of reckless driving is peer pressure. In many cases studied by psychologists, there were two or more people present in the car, with one of them consistently encouraging the reckless driver.

Street Racing

Classified in most states as "reckless driving," street racing is an extreme case of disregard for law, often punishable by two to 10 years in jail, depending on the severity of the crime.

Source:

Road Traffic Act 1991