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.
THE ESSENCE OF THE OFFENSE of reckless driving lies not in the act of operating a vehicle, but in the manner and circumstances of its operation. Powers v. Commonwealth, 211 Va. 386, 177 S.E.2d 628 (1970); Kennedy v. Commonwealth, 1 Va. App. 469, 339 S.E.2d 905 (1986).
“RECKLESSLY” as used in this section imparts a disregard by the driver of a motor vehicle for the consequences of his act and an indifference to the safety of life, limb or property. Powers v. Commonwealth, 211 Va. 386, 177 S.E.2d 628 (1970).
THE MERE HAPPENING OF AN ACCIDENT does not give rise to an inference of reckless driving. Powers v. Commonwealth, 211 Va. 386, 177 S.E.2d 628 (1970); Kennedy v. Commonwealth, 1 Va. App. 469, 339 S.E.2d 905 (1986).