A 19-year-old driver from Manassas, Virginia, found himself in hot water after being caught by police going a staggering 134 miles per hour in a 55-mile-per-hour zone. The incident occurred along Prince William Parkway near Sudley Manor Road, prompting local authorities to issue a stern warning to drivers about the dangers of excessive speed.
The driver was slapped with a reckless driving charge for exceeding 85 miles per hour over the speed limit. He will have to appear in general district traffic court to address the charge. The Prince William County Police Department emphasized the reckless and dangerous nature of such extreme speeding and urged all drivers to slow down for their own safety and the safety of others.
In Virginia, speeding offenses are categorized into general speeding and reckless driving, depending on the severity of the offense. General speeding typically applies when a driver exceeds the speed limit by up to 19 miles per hour, resulting in fines and demerit points on their driver's license. However, if a driver surpasses the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or more, it often escalates to a reckless driving charge, which is a criminal offense carrying potential penalties such as jail time, hefty fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying speed limits and practicing safe driving habits. Excessive speeding not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers the lives of others on the road. It is crucial for drivers, especially young and inexperienced ones, to understand the severe consequences of reckless driving and to prioritize safety above all else.