careless drivers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "careless drivers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe drivers who do not pay attention to the road or follow traffic rules, often leading to accidents or dangerous situations. Example: "The increase in accidents on the highway can be attributed to the rise in careless drivers who ignore speed limits and traffic signals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He makes us new friends while I bark at the careless drivers and sidewalk bikers who might hurt him.

The New York Times

New York City dwellers drive four hours to hand-deliver pigeons crippled by careless drivers or cruelly aimed stones.

The New York Times

The city's largest police union is against the use of cameras, arguing that the solution to careless drivers is more police officers.

The New York Times

For seven and a half years, he has watched sleepy state roads and bustling highways for speeding commuters and careless drivers.

The New York Times

They can watch the world through your window, and cannot kill local wildlife or be killed by stray dogs, sadists or careless drivers.

The New York Times

Most states have laws against these violations, but I have yet to see a police officer on the road stopping such careless drivers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Frenchman escaped with Philippe Thys and had built an unassailable lead when a careless driver sent him sprawling.

The Guardian - Sport

The careless driver's father, Paul Hutchinson, a 51-year-old newspaper delivery agent, was charged with Colette Aram's murder.

The Guardian

But the opening shot establishes a sense of malaise as a careless driver sideswipes a parked car and nearly hits a cyclist.

The Guardian

Aram, a 16-year-old trainee hairdresser from Keyworth in Nottinghamshire, was abducted, raped and strangled on 30 October 1983 – five years before the careless driver was born.

The Guardian

Eventually, after 600 near misses had been re-tested, the markers on the 19-year-old careless driver's Y-chromosome came up as a match for the killer's.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "careless drivers", provide concrete examples of their actions, such as speeding, texting while driving, or failing to signal, to enhance clarity and reader engagement.

Common error

When discussing "careless drivers", avoid making sweeping statements that stigmatize all drivers. Instead, focus on specific behaviors and their consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careless drivers" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific group of individuals characterized by their lack of attention or responsibility while operating a vehicle. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "careless drivers" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe drivers who exhibit a lack of attention or responsibility on the road. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usage in various contexts. It is frequently found in news reports, traffic safety discussions, and even legal contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, it is important to avoid generalizations and focus on specific behaviors when discussing this topic. Alternatives like "negligent motorists" or "inattentive drivers" can provide slightly different nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negligent motorists

Replaces "drivers" with "motorists" and "careless" with "negligent", emphasizing a lack of proper care and attention.

inattentive drivers

Substitutes "careless" with "inattentive", highlighting a lack of focus while driving.

reckless vehicle operators

Replaces "drivers" with "vehicle operators" and "careless" with "reckless", suggesting a disregard for safety.

irresponsible drivers

Replaces "careless" with "irresponsible", focusing on the lack of accountability.

unsafe drivers

Uses "unsafe" as a broader term to describe drivers whose actions pose a risk.

drivers exhibiting poor road behavior

Describes the issue through a specific attribute instead of a generic definition.

drivers who disregard traffic laws

Focuses on the action of disobeying traffic regulations, a consequence of carelessness.

drivers causing preventable accidents

Highlights the outcome of carelessness, emphasizing accident preventability.

imprudent drivers

Replaces "careless" with "imprudent", indicating a lack of wisdom or forethought.

drivers with a cavalier attitude towards safety

Describes the mindset behind careless driving, emphasizing a dismissive approach to safety.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "careless drivers"?

Alternatives include "negligent motorists", "inattentive drivers", or "reckless drivers", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "careless drivers" in formal writing?

Yes, "careless drivers" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing traffic safety, legal issues, or policy recommendations. However, ensure the tone remains objective and evidence-based.

What's the difference between "careless drivers" and "aggressive drivers"?

"Careless drivers" refers to individuals who are inattentive or negligent while driving, whereas "aggressive drivers" describes those who intentionally drive in a hostile or confrontational manner. The terms describe different behaviors and motivations.

How can I use "careless drivers" in a sentence?

Example: "The increase in traffic accidents is often attributed to "careless drivers" who disregard traffic laws and speed limits."