Navigating icy roads can be a nerve-wracking experience for any driver. You might wonder if a police officer sees you sliding, can they pull you over for reckless driving? The answer isn’t straightforward; it depends on the circumstances and local laws.

Due to this latest bout of below-freezing temps sweeping across large areas of the country, I spotted a few r/Driving posts asking about related topics, like how to identify black ice, driving on ice, and whether you can get ticketed over poor road conditions.

Understanding “Reckless Driving”

Reckless driving generally refers to operating a vehicle with “a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This means knowingly engaging in dangerous driving behaviors. 

As such, simply sliding on ice doesn’t automatically qualify as reckless driving. Law enforcement officers consider factors like speed, road conditions, and the motorist’s actions leading up to the incident.

“Failure to Control”

In many states, including Ohio (my stomping grounds), there’s a specific violation known as “failure to control.” This charge applies when a driver loses control of their vehicle, often due to adverse weather conditions like ice or snow.

For instance, if you slide off the road and a police officer witnesses it, you might be cited for failure to control rather than reckless driving. According to Riddell Law LLC, a Columbus-based law firm, “Failure to control charges arise under many different scenarios. The most common situation involves an accident, including sliding on snow and ice.”

Consider a situation shared on Reddit, where a driver in Virginia slid on ice while traveling about 20 miles per hour, resulting in their truck rolling over. Despite the adverse weather conditions and multiple accidents in the area, the driver was charged with reckless driving for failing to maintain control of the vehicle.

Legal consequences

Getting cited for failure to control or reckless driving can have several repercussions:

• Fines: Monetary penalties vary by state and the severity of the offense.
• Points on your license: Accumulating points can lead to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension.
• Criminal record: In some jurisdictions, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor, which could result in a criminal record.

To minimize the risk of losing control on icy roads and potential citations:

• Drive slowly: Reduce your speed significantly during icy conditions.
• Increase following distance: Allow more space between your vehicle and others to account for longer stopping distances.
• Check your tires: Make sure your tires have sufficient tread. Opt for winter tires if you think it’s necessary in your area.
• Read the weather report: Check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out.

While sliding on ice isn’t inherently reckless driving, it can lead to citations like failure to control, depending on the situation and local laws. Adjust your driving habits during winter weather to ensure safety and avoid costly and time-consuming legal issues.