Reckless driver: meaning, definitions and examples

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reckless driver

 

[ ˈrɛkləs ˈdraɪvər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

on the road

A reckless driver is someone who drives in a careless and dangerous manner, often disregarding traffic laws and putting themselves and others at risk.

Synonyms

careless driver, dangerous driver, irresponsible driver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reckless driver

Again, referring to someone who takes dangerous risks and seems to ignore the consequences of their actions on the road.

  • She weaved between cars at high speed - a true example of a reckless driver.
  • Running multiple stop signs makes you nothing but a reckless driver.
careless driver

This term is used for someone who does not pay enough attention while driving, often due to being distracted or simply not being cautious. Their actions may not be intentional but are still unsafe.

  • She was texting while driving and almost hit a pedestrian. That's very careless of her.
  • Careless drivers may not speed, but they often fail to notice important signs or changes in traffic.
dangerous driver

Describing someone whose driving habits put others in immediate danger. This can be due to reckless behavior, being under the influence, or other hazardous actions.

  • A dangerous driver swerved across the highway lanes without checking mirrors.
  • Driving under the influence makes you a dangerous driver.
irresponsible driver

This term applies to someone who shows a lack of responsibility when driving, possibly by neglecting maintenance of their car, driving without a license, or ignoring basic laws.

  • Driving without a valid license makes you an irresponsible driver.
  • If you don't check your brakes and they fail, you're an irresponsible driver.

Examples of usage

  • The reckless driver swerved in and out of lanes without signaling.
  • The police pulled over the reckless driver for speeding and running a red light.
Context #2 | Noun

in a legal context

In legal terms, a reckless driver is someone who shows a willful disregard for the safety of others while operating a vehicle, often resulting in serious consequences.

Synonyms

dangerous operator, negligent driver, reckless motorist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reckless driver

Used to describe someone who drives aggressively, often taking risks like speeding, cutting off other cars, or ignoring traffic rules. This has a negative connotation.

  • He is a reckless driver, always speeding through red lights.
  • Reckless drivers are a real danger on the road.
negligent driver

Refers to someone who fails to pay attention or fails to take proper care while driving, often leading to mishaps or accidents. This has a legal implication and a negative connotation.

  • The negligent driver was held responsible for the accident.
  • He was considered a negligent driver because he was texting while driving.
reckless motorist

Another term for 'reckless driver,' but it can sometimes emphasize the use of a car more formally or in a broader sense, like discussing driver behavior in general.

  • Reckless motorists face heavy fines for their actions.
  • The city council is implementing new measures to target reckless motorists.
dangerous operator

Suitable for referring to someone who handles heavy machinery or vehicles in a way that poses a risk to others. This phrase can be used in broader contexts beyond just driving.

  • The construction site had to be closed because of a dangerous operator.
  • A dangerous operator caused an accident at the factory.

Examples of usage

  • The prosecutor charged the reckless driver with vehicular manslaughter.
  • The reckless driver faced criminal charges for causing a serious accident.

Translations

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

🇵🇹 motorista imprudente

🇮🇳 लापरवाह चालक

🇩🇪 fahrlässiger Fahrer

🇮🇩 pengemudi ceroboh

🇺🇦 необережний водій

🇵🇱 lekkomyślny kierowca

🇯🇵 無謀なドライバー

🇫🇷 conducteur imprudent

🇪🇸 conductor imprudente

🇹🇷 dikkatsiz sürücü

🇰🇷 신중하지 않은 운전사

🇸🇦 سائق متهور

🇨🇿 nedbalý řidič

🇸🇰 nezodpovedný vodič

🇨🇳 鲁莽的司机

🇸🇮 nepreviden voznik

🇮🇸 óábyrgur ökumaður

🇰🇿 абайсыз жүргізуші

🇬🇪 უხამსი მძღოლი

🇦🇿 dikkatsiz sürücü

🇲🇽 conductor imprudente

Etymology

The term 'reckless driver' originated from the combination of 'reckless', meaning careless or heedless of consequences, and 'driver', referring to a person who drives a vehicle. The concept of reckless driving has been a concern since the early days of automobiles when traffic laws were first established to regulate road safety. Over the years, the term has become widely recognized and is commonly used to describe individuals who pose a danger to themselves and others on the road.