reckless driving

USAGE SUMMARY

"reckless driving" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the act of driving a vehicle in an irresponsible or dangerous manner, such as ignoring speed limits, running stop signs, or texting while driving. For example, "John was arrested for reckless driving on his way home from work yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We were reckless driving".

The New York Times

They called it reckless driving".

The New York Times - Sports

zone and charged him with reckless driving.

The New York Times

It was speeding, not reckless driving.

The New York Times

Wesley was charged with reckless driving.

The New York Times - Sports

Many accidents are indeed caused by careless or reckless driving.

The New York Times

over the posted limit; and misdemeanor reckless driving.

The New York Times

Their armored vehicle rolled over, possibly as a result of reckless driving.

The New York Times

The incident in question appears to consist of a misdemeanor reckless driving charge.

The New York Times - Sports

The driver of the truck, Alan W. Snader, 59, of Ohio, was charged with reckless driving.

The New York Times

But if you jump ahead messages are revealed, subliminally warning of reckless driving.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or traffic-related incidents, use "reckless driving" to specifically denote a disregard for safety laws and regulations beyond simple speeding or carelessness.

Common error

Avoid using "reckless driving" interchangeably with "careless driving". "Reckless driving" implies a deliberate disregard for the rules of the road, while careless driving suggests a lack of attention or thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reckless driving" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of traffic violation. It often appears as the object of a verb, such as "charged with" or "arrested for", as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reckless driving" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe driving with a deliberate disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's an acceptable phrase for written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is essential to differentiate it from "careless driving", as "reckless driving" implies a higher degree of intent and disregard. Always use "reckless driving" when the context involves a deliberate disregard for the rules of the road.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negligent driving

Focuses more on the lack of care or attention while driving, rather than the intentional disregard for safety.

irresponsible driving

Highlights the failure to fulfill the duty of care expected of a driver.

dangerous driving

Emphasizes the potential harm resulting from the driving behavior.

careless driving

Suggests a lack of attention or thoughtfulness while driving, often less severe than "reckless driving".

aggressive driving

Implies a hostile or impatient attitude behind the wheel, potentially leading to dangerous situations.

imprudent driving

Indicates a lack of wisdom or foresight in driving decisions.

rash driving

Highlights the impulsiveness and lack of deliberation in the driving behavior.

criminal driving

Suggests that the driving behavior constitutes a serious violation of the law.

outlaw driving

Implies that the driving behavior is outside of normal driving practices and illegal.

hazardous driving

Emphasizes the presence of risks and potential dangers due to the driving behavior.

FAQs

What are some examples of "reckless driving"?

"Reckless driving" can include actions such as excessively speeding, ignoring traffic signals, driving under the influence, or engaging in dangerous maneuvers like weaving in and out of traffic.

What's the difference between "reckless driving" and "aggressive driving"?

"Reckless driving" typically involves a general disregard for safety and traffic laws, while "aggressive driving" often involves hostile or impatient behaviors towards other drivers, such as tailgating or cutting people off.

What are the penalties for "reckless driving"?

Penalties for "reckless driving" vary by jurisdiction but often include fines, license suspension, and even jail time, especially if the behavior results in injury or property damage.

What can I say instead of "reckless driving"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "negligent driving", "irresponsible driving", or "dangerous driving".