What Happens When You Take a Risk While Driving?

There were 6.14 million car accidents in the U.S. in 2023. Although factors, such as weather conditions and mechanical issues, contribute to the number of accidents, risky driving is responsible for 94% of car accidents. 

Risky driving refers to any behavior that increases the risk of an accident while driving. You may still be wondering, “What’s an example of risk while driving?” Breaking traffic laws, such as driving around the crossing gates when a train is approaching, and using a cell phone while driving, are only two of the many risky driving habits people unfortunately have.

Engaging in risky driving increases the risk of accidents and injuries, and can have financial and legal consequences. Let’s take a look at the risks and legal implications of risky driving. 

What Driving Behavior Can Increase Risk? 

What driving behavior can increase the risk of accidents and injuries? Risky driving behaviors include the following:

• Aggressive driving: Drivers who deliberately operate their vehicles in a way that increases the risk of accidents or harm to others are aggressive. Examples include speeding and tailgating. Although many examples of aggressive driving overlap with reckless driving, the primary distinction lies in the driver’s intent. Aggressive drivers may stop abruptly, swerve in and out of lanes unnecessarily, speed, tailgate, or take actions designed to frustrate or impede other drivers. 
• Distracted driving: Anything that causes you to take your mind or eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel is considered distracted driving. This includes eating or looking at passengers.
• Driving in bad weather: Drivers should be aware of weather conditions and avoid driving during unsafe conditions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
• Drowsy driving: Operating a vehicle when you’re sleepy or fatigued increases the risk of driver error, making it more likely you’ll cause an accident. 
• Operating an unsafe vehicle: Driving a vehicle with mechanical issues is risky because it is not operating correctly, which can make it challenging to drive at appropriate speeds, or stop the vehicle when necessary.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving includes multiple risky behaviors while driving, and breaking traffic laws, including the following:
  • Exceeding the speed limit
  • Impaired driving, which includes operating a vehicle after using substances that impair your judgment and response times, such as alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
  • Running red lights
  • Using a cell phone while driving
  • Driving through crowds
  • Street racing

How Risky Driving Leads to Accidents and Injuries 

It’s difficult to anticipate an aggressive driver’s actions because they may stop without warning, change lanes without signaling, or fail to stop when they don’t have the right of way. Since their actions are unpredictable, other drivers may not have enough time to take steps to avoid an accident.

Distracted driving can prevent you from noticing changes in road conditions in time to take steps to avoid an accident, or affect your ability to change course.

Vehicles can slide on ice or snow or hydroplane if there is excess water on roadways. Flooding can wash vehicles off roadways. You may have limited visibility if you’re driving in heavy snow or rain, which will prevent you from seeing the road and other vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions.

Fatigue affects your response times and judgment. If you drive when you’re drowsy, you are less likely to notice changes in driving conditions and respond appropriately to them. Fatigued drivers are also more likely to fall asleep while driving.

Mechanical issues can cause vehicles to break down on roadways, increasing the risk of a collision. Mechanical issues with the brakes can prevent your vehicle from stopping to avoid hitting an animal, a person, or another vehicle.

Reckless driving involves actions or inactions that increase the risk of accidents. An example of a risky action would be choosing to text while driving. In addition to breaking traffic laws, a driver who’s texting is engaging in distracted driving because they’re taking their eyes off the road. 

An example of risky inaction would be not stopping at a stop sign or red light. Failing to stop when you do not have the right of way creates risk because the drivers with the right of way may not have enough time to avoid hitting your vehicle.

Consequences of Risky Driving: Immediate and Long-Term 

There are many reasons people engage in risky driving behaviors, including the following:

• Lack of awareness: Although drivers must pass written and practical tests to get a driver’s license, some may forget steps they should take when driving, such as signaling when changing lanes, or forget what less common road signs indicate. 
• Laziness: Drivers can get lazy while driving. Examples include not signaling turns, or coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. 
• Overconfidence: Overconfident drivers may fail to estimate how much time they have to make it through an intersection and end up running a red light, or pulling out in front of a vehicle without giving themselves enough time to accelerate and avoid a collision.
• Running late: A driver who oversleeps or gets caught in traffic may be tempted to speed, or pass on the shoulder to try to make up time.

Regardless of the reason for engaging in risky driving behaviors, these behaviors can have both immediate and long-term consequences.

Immediate Consequences 

The following are some of the potential immediate consequences drivers may experience if they engage in risky driving behaviors:

• Accidents: Drivers engaging in risky behavior have a higher risk of being involved in a collision.
• Delays: Traffic stops and accidents will affect your schedule.
• Injuries: The 6.14 million car accidents reported in 2023 claimed the lives of 40,901 people, while 2.44 million people suffered injuries in these accidents. You may require immediate medical attention for any injuries that occur.
• Property damage: Accidents can cause vehicle damage. You may also need to replace items that were damaged in the accident.
• Traffic stop: Police may pull you over because of risky driving behaviors. 

Long-Term Consequences 

Long-term consequences may include the following:

• Financial issues: You may incur costly medical and repair bills. You may also have financial challenges if you’re fined for traffic violations or sued for causing an accident. 
• Impact on personal relationships: Causing an accident that harms others may damage those relationships. 
• Impact on your career: You may have to train for a new career if you suffer a permanent disability.
• Injuries: Even if you’re expected to recover fully, short-term injuries can significantly impact your life. Your injuries may interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks or work. You may also experience pain and need physical therapy to ensure your recovery. 
• Lack of transportation: You may not have a vehicle to drive while yours is being repaired. If your vehicle was totaled, you may have to find a suitable replacement. 
• Legal issues: You can be charged for breaking traffic laws. Depending on the laws broken, you could face fines and jail time. You may face a lawsuit if you caused an accident that harmed others.

Have you been injured by a risky driver? Get immediate legal help.

How Can You Reduce Driving Risks? 

Understanding how you can reduce driving risks can help you take appropriate steps to minimize your risk of an accident. So, what are two ways you can reduce your driving risk?

• Avoid unsafe driving conditions: Recognize unsafe conditions and stay off the road. Unsafe conditions can include driving in bad weather, operating a vehicle with mechanical issues, or driving while fatigued. 
• Obey traffic laws: Following traffic laws means driving at appropriate speeds, obeying road signs, and refraining from engaging in aggressive or reckless driving behaviors, such as driving under the influence. 

Other ways to reduce your accident risks while driving in Florida include the following:

• Avoid anything that distracts you while driving, so you can stay focused on the road
• Give yourself enough time to reach your destination
• Learn how to drive defensively
• Maintain your vehicle
• Review weather reports before driving

Bernstein & Maryanoff Provide Expert Legal Help After an Accident Caused by Risky Driving 

Employing safe driving practices reduces your risk of causing an accident and being involved in one. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, Bernstein & Maryanoff can help identify the at-fault party, support your claim, and help you get the compensation you deserve from the party who caused the accident. 

Get expert legal advice now. Call 1-800-429-4529 for your free consultation.

FAQ

How Does Florida Law Address Drivers Who Engage in Risky Behavior and Cause Accidents? 

Under Florida law, drivers may face fines, license suspensions, and jail time for traffic violations. For example, a first-time offender charged with a DUI may face fines ranging from $500 to $2,000, and up to six months in jail, depending on the circumstances. Repeat offenders face higher fines and longer prison sentences. The state also impounds the driver’s vehicle.

Are There Specific Times of Day or Days of the Week When Accident Risks in Florida Are Higher? 

The most dangerous times on roadways change throughout the year. Friday is the weekday when people are most likely to be involved in a non-fatal accident, while the highest percentage of fatal accidents occur on Saturdays. Late afternoon and early evening are the most dangerous times on roadways from November to March, while the highest percentage of fatal accidents occurs in spring and summer between 8 p.m. and midnight. The summer is the deadliest time for teen drivers in Florida, with teen driving accidents spiking between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

What Role Does Vehicle Maintenance Play in Reducing Driving Risks? 

Maintaining your vehicle can prevent mechanical issues. Without repairs, mechanical issues, such as brake failure or a malfunctioning signal light, could cause an accident.

What Are the Risks Associated With Ignoring “Check Engine” Light? 

Ignoring the check engine light could cause further damage to your vehicle, potentially increasing your repair costs. You may also not realize that your vehicle could malfunction in a way that would increase the risk of an accident.

Can You Still Pursue a Claim If You Were Partially at Fault in an Accident Caused by Someone Else’s Risky Driving?

Florida allows drivers to take legal action even if they were partially at fault, as long as their percentage of blame does not exceed 50%. 

What Are Two Simple Ways That You Can Immediately Reduce Driving Risk? 

Two simple ways to reduce your risks while driving include avoiding unsafe driving conditions and obeying traffic laws. 

What Can Passengers Do To Help Reduce the Driver’s Risk While on the Road?

Passengers should avoid distracting drivers and ensure they do not block the driver’s view of windows and mirrors.

How Does Fatigue Compare to Alcohol Impairment in Terms of Driving Risk?

Drowsy driving poses a significant risk to drivers. The impact of fatigue on your ability to drive safely depends on how long you’ve been awake. The impact staying awake for 20 hours has on your driving risk is comparable to consuming enough alcohol to be charged with a DUI.

Sources: 

Aggressive driving. (2025). 

Crashes by Time of Day and Day of Week. (2025). 

Edwards, S. (2025). How Many Car Accidents per Year in U.S. Chart (2025). 

Florida DUI and Administrative Suspension Laws. (2025). 

McCloud, C. (2025). “100 Deadliest Days” Begin for Teen Drivers. What to Know in Florida.

Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2023. (2025). 

Pacheco, D. (2023). Drowsy Driving Vs. Drunk Driving: How Similar Are They?