The Virginia Senate may pass changed to the state’s distracted driving laws, making it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone for any use while driving. Drivers would be required to have their smartphones in a dash mounted holder, or only use via a wired or wireless Bluetooth access for calls and other interactions.
Reckless Driving In A Golf Cart?
Apparently, it’s possible. A 72 year old Manassas man was cited for reckless driving in a golf cart when his vehicle rolled over, and several of his 7 passengers were injured.
The crash took place in Mineral, a small community in Lousia County, and was apparently on a regular road, Lake Forest Drive, which would be subject to typical driving laws.
How exactly he got 7 passengers onto a golf cart at all remains an open question. The man had his wife, his son and daughter in-law, and 4 grandchildren loaded onto the cart when it overturned. It is reasonable to speculate that the card was significantly overloaded which certainly could have lead to the accidents. It is not typically very easy to roll over a golf cart under normal driving conditions.
Reports say that passengers suffered some serious injuries, but were not life threatening.
The man is facing a Class 1 Misdemeanor for reckless driving, which can be a serious offense, especially when injuries result.
Most likely, he is facing the charge under VCC 46.2-852 – Reckless driving, general rule.
Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving.
Any action that results in rolling over a golf cart and injures people more than likely qualifies as reckless endangerment.
Of course it was just a horrible accident, and it’s quite unlikely that this grandfather is a dangerous criminal. I’m sure he feels terrible having been responsible for injuring his family. He could very likely face license loss for the reckless driving charge.
We hope the family recovers quickly.