Reckless Driving and Racing Leads to Serious Accident in Cobb County

A driver was seriously injured after a collision with a truck while racing another vehicle on I-285.

According to reports, the accident happened during rush hour. The drivers of two vehicles decided to race and maneuver in and out of heavy traffic at high speeds.

One of the drivers is facing:

• Reckless Driving in Georgia
• Racing in Georgia
• Serious Injury by Vehicle in Georgia

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the law and penalties of racing.

Racing on Roadways in Georgia

Racing on Roadways in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. §40-6-186 as:

No person shall drive any vehicle on a highway in this state in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record, and no person shall in any manner participate in any such race, competition of speed, contest of speed, or test or exhibition of speed.

By law, “drag race" means the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerated speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course from the same point to the same point for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit.

Furthermore, the legal definition for “racing” means the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.

Racing is classified as a misdemeanor offense in Georgia. This means that if convicted of racing, a person is facing up to 12 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

However, when a racing charge is accompanied by reckless driving, serious injury by vehicle, or even DUI in Georgia, the penalties are even greater.

Practice Note

This is one of the many reasons why hiring a Georgia DUI Lawyer is so important. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a serious traffic violation, contact us today.