[quote name='botticus']If that were the case, then every traffic violation would be "reckless driving." Last I checked that didn't happen when you paid a speeding ticket.[/QUOTE]
some quick google searching might clear things up:
from
http://dictionary.law.com/default2.asp?selected=1749&bold=||||
reckless driving
n. operation of an automobile in a dangerous manner under the circumstances, including speeding (or going too fast for the conditions, even though within the posted speed limit), driving after drinking (but not drunk), having too many passengers in the car, cutting in and out of traffic, failing to yield to other vehicles and other negligent acts. It is a misdemeanor crime. A "wet reckless" is a plea in a drunk driving prosecution allowed to lessen the penalty when the blood alcohol level is close to the legal limit.
from
http://www.duifyi.com/dui_glossary.html
Reckless Driving - Operating a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner, including speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and the like.
here's a link to the virginia dmv listing examples of reckless driving offenses.
http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/points_6.asp
Reckless driving - speeding in excess of 80 mph (11 years)
Reckless driving - speeding 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit (11 years)
Reckless driving - racing (11 years)
Reckless driving - passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle (11 years)
Reckless driving - passing a school bus (11 years)
Reckless driving - passing on the crest of a hill (11 years)
Reckless driving - passing at a railroad crossing (11 years)
Reckless driving - passing two vehicles abreast (11 years)
Reckless driving - driving two vehicles abreast (11 years)
Reckless driving - driving too fast for conditions (11 years)
Reckless driving - failing to give a proper signal (11 years)
Reckless driving - faulty brakes/improper control (11 years)
Reckless driving - on parking lots, etc. (11 years)
Reckless driving - with an obstructed view (11 years)
Reckless driving - generally (11 years)
Speeding 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit (5 years)
note the close relation of reckless driving to speed, vehicle control, posted speed limits, and driving conditions. the law also defines it rather vaguely, making it applicable to most tickets that involve a vehicle in motion, making it easy to throw the book at you, but hard to defend.