an unsafe driver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unsafe driver" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a driver who engages in risky or reckless behavior while driving. Example: "The insurance company raised my rates because they classified me as an unsafe driver after my last accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Some advocates believe that driving privileges should not be taken away until a person clearly becomes an unsafe driver.

Harvard University

Stita Taxi wants parents to remind teens that they never have to take a ride from an unsafe driver.

Forbes

For instance, a recent case control study found that, relative to drivers using neither alcohol nor marijuana, drivers who tested positive for both alcohol (BAC ≤ 0.08 g/dL) and marijuana had up to 128% increased odds of committing an unsafe driver action compared to 16% for those using marijuana alone and 117% for those using alcohol (BAC ≤ 0.08 g/dL) alone (Dubois et al. 2015).

Injury Epidemiology

My brother reports that my father is an unsafe driver and has contacted the doctor.

Huffington Post

According to Lynn, the 5 nanograms per milliliter amount lingers in the blood long after a person has stopped being an unsafe driver, and CNN's 2013 report on stoned drivers backs that assertion up.

Vice

We had no indication that Matthew is an unsafe driver, or that the roads near Downton are perilous, or that trucks have been known to careen down the one-lane highway in a fashion highly dangerous to giddy new dads driving sports cars.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

One called Lytx makes DriveCam, a system installed on half a million trucks with cameras that use AI to detect unsafe driver behavior so they can be coached to improve.

TechCrunch

As noted throughout this paper, VZ shifts the emphasis from the "unsafe driver" to the "unsafe road" (Elvebakk 2007).

Injury Epidemiology

When the unsafe driver passes you, take note of their license plate and consider calling a non-emergency law enforcement (such as the highway patrol).

WikiHow

Having an inexpensive, user-friendly mass transit system that actually takes us where we need to go in a timely fashion would go a long way toward removing unsafe drivers from our streets, not to mention reduce traffic in general.

Los Angeles Times

Kimberly Harris-Ferrante, an insurance analyst, tells of a client whose database singles out unsafe drivers so that agents can visit them at home in an effort to persuade them to change their habits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing road safety, provide specific examples of the driver's behavior to illustrate why they are considered "an unsafe driver".

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone as "an unsafe driver" without providing concrete evidence or examples of their driving behavior. Be specific about the actions that make their driving unsafe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unsafe driver" functions as a noun phrase, where "unsafe" modifies the noun "driver". It describes a person who operates a vehicle in a manner that is likely to cause accidents or harm. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unsafe driver" is a common descriptor for individuals who operate vehicles in a manner that poses a risk to themselves and others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while frequently encountered in news, scientific, and academic contexts, its use requires careful consideration. Instead of using the phrase, be sure to offer examples to demonstrate the specific risky behaviours exhibited by a driver. Alternatives such as "reckless driver" or "dangerous driver" can provide a more nuanced understanding, but when you have a chance to use examples, this would be the perfect choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reckless driver

Focuses on the disregard for safety and rules while driving.

dangerous driver

Highlights the potential harm the driver poses to others.

hazardous driver

Similar to dangerous, but with emphasis to hazards created by his driving.

negligent driver

Emphasizes a lack of proper care and attention while driving.

inattentive driver

Focuses on the driver's lack of focus and awareness.

impaired driver

Specifies that the driver's abilities are diminished due to substance use or fatigue.

erratic driver

Describes a driver with unpredictable and inconsistent behavior.

careless driver

Highlights the driver's lack of concern for safety.

risky driver

Focuses on the driver's tendency to take chances while driving.

incompetent driver

Suggests the driver lacks the necessary skills and knowledge.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who drives unsafely?

Instead of "an unsafe driver", consider using terms like "reckless driver", "dangerous driver", or "negligent driver" to provide a more specific description of their behavior.

What factors contribute to someone being labeled as "an unsafe driver"?

Factors may include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, aggressive behavior, or disregard for traffic laws. Each situation is different, so you should provide specific examples to justify the label.

Is there a legal definition of "an unsafe driver"?

Legal definitions vary by jurisdiction, but generally involve actions that violate traffic laws or endanger others. Consult local traffic regulations for precise definitions.

What are the consequences of being identified as "an unsafe driver"?

Consequences can include fines, license suspension, mandatory driving courses, increased insurance rates, or even criminal charges depending on the severity of the offenses. It's advisable to obey traffic laws to avoid these penalties.