Tennessee has been making many efforts in recent years to crack down on reckless and aggressive driving on our roadways. Tennessee’s roadways are some of the most dangerous ones in the country – see the state’s traffic fatality tracker to learn more about how accidents affect our state. Last year, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a new law creating an offense of aggravated reckless driving, TCA § 55-10-209.
A driver who “drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” commits reckless driving, a Class B misdemeanor. The offense becomes aggravated reckless driving when the driver “Intentionally or knowingly impedes traffic upon… [any premises] accessible to motor vehicles that are generally frequented by the public at large.” Drivers may commit an aggravated reckless driving offense in the course of road rage, such as by stopping their car while on a roadway to confront a driver who cut them off.
Be sure to drive defensively and keep safety in mind when driving. Furthermore, for your own safety and that of others, try not to engage with other drivers if frustrating situations arise in traffic.
If you do find yourself in a difficult situation on the roads and end up being charged with aggravated reckless driving, please reach out to Best & Brock to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Garth Best and Matt Brock specialize in criminal law, and can help you build a strategy to protect your future if you’re facing criminal charges. Furthermore, Zack England’s expertise in personal injury law can help you to receive appropriate compensation if you or a loved one were involved in an automobile accident.
Submit this online form or call us at (423) 829-1043 to schedule a free consultation.