Negligent driver: meaning, definitions and examples

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negligent driver

 

[ ˈnɛɡlɪdʒənt ˈdraɪvər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

car accident

A negligent driver is someone who fails to exercise the proper care and caution while operating a vehicle. This can include actions such as speeding, running red lights, or texting while driving.

Synonyms

careless driver, irresponsible driver, reckless driver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
negligent driver

When a driver fails to exercise the standard of care expected of a reasonable person in similar circumstances, typically leading to accidents or harm. Often used in legal contexts.

  • The negligent driver caused the collision by running a red light.
  • Her lawyer argued that the company should be held liable for the actions of their negligent driver.
careless driver

When a driver does not pay enough attention, makes mistakes, or shows a lack of concern, though not necessarily with a complete disregard for safety.

  • The careless driver forgot to check his blind spot before changing lanes.
  • A careless driver almost hit me while they were adjusting the radio.
reckless driver

When a driver shows a blatant disregard for safety and drives in a way that is highly likely to cause danger or harm. This term often carries a very negative connotation.

  • The reckless driver was weaving in and out of traffic at high speed.
  • She was arrested for being a reckless driver after being caught driving under the influence.
irresponsible driver

When a driver acts without consideration for the consequences of their actions or for the safety of others, often taking unnecessary risks.

  • The irresponsible driver was texting while driving, putting everyone at risk.
  • It's unfair to share the road with such an irresponsible driver who speeds during bad weather.

Examples of usage

  • The negligent driver caused a serious car accident.
  • The negligent driver was charged with reckless driving.
Context #2 | Noun

legal case

In legal terms, a negligent driver is someone who breaches their duty of care towards others on the road, leading to harm or damage. This can result in civil lawsuits or criminal charges.

Synonyms

culpable driver, guilty driver, negligent motorist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
negligent driver

Use this term when referring to a driver who fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in careless driving. This is often used in legal contexts where the driver's lack of caution caused an accident.

  • The negligent driver ran a red light, leading to a car crash.
  • Insurance companies may refuse coverage for accidents caused by a negligent driver.
negligent motorist

Similar to 'negligent driver', this term refers to a motorist who did not exercise reasonable care on the road, often leading to accidents. 'Motorist' is just another term for 'driver' and can be used interchangeably.

  • The negligent motorist failed to notice the pedestrian crossing the street.
  • A lawsuit was filed against the negligent motorist for causing serious injuries.
culpable driver

This term is appropriate when identifying a driver who is deemed at fault or responsible for an incident, especially in legal and formal discussions. It indicates a higher degree of responsibility than 'negligent'.

  • The court found the motorist to be the culpable driver in the collision.
  • Despite the adverse weather conditions, the culpable driver was held responsible for the accident.
guilty driver

Typically used in legal settings, this term describes a driver who has been formally found at fault or has admitted to breaking the law. It carries a more definitive and negative implication than 'culpable' or 'negligent'.

  • After reviewing the evidence, the jury declared him a guilty driver.
  • The guilty driver admitted to texting while driving during the crash.

Examples of usage

  • The negligent driver was found liable for the damages in the car accident.
  • The negligent driver was convicted of vehicular manslaughter.

Translations

Translations of the word "negligent driver" in other languages:

🇵🇹 motorista negligente

🇮🇳 लापरवाह चालक

🇩🇪 nachlässiger Fahrer

🇮🇩 pengemudi yang lalai

🇺🇦 недбалий водій

🇵🇱 niedbały kierowca

🇯🇵 不注意な運転手

🇫🇷 conducteur négligent

🇪🇸 conductor negligente

🇹🇷 ihmalkar sürücü

🇰🇷 부주의한 운전자

🇸🇦 سائق مهمل

🇨🇿 nedbalý řidič

🇸🇰 nedbalý vodič

🇨🇳 粗心的司机

🇸🇮 nepreviden voznik

🇮🇸 vanrækslu ökumaður

🇰🇿 немқұрайлы жүргізуші

🇬🇪 უძრავი მძღოლი

🇦🇿 etinasız sürücü

🇲🇽 conductor negligente

Etymology

The term 'negligent driver' originated from the legal concept of negligence, which dates back to English common law. Negligence is the failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in a similar situation, leading to harm or injury. In the context of driving, a negligent driver is someone who fails to uphold their duty of care towards others on the road, often resulting in accidents or injuries. The term has been widely used in legal proceedings and discussions related to road safety and traffic regulations.