Careless driving is when someone doesn’t take the necessary care while driving, but there’s no intention to break the law or cause harm. Reckless driving, on the other hand, is when someone drives with the intention of breaking the law or causing harm. Both actions can result in accidents, but only reckless driving is a criminal offence.
Careless driving
Careless driving is when a person drives carelessly, without paying attention to the road or their surroundings. This can be something as simple as not paying attention to the speed limit, or not using turn signals.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving is when a person drives in a way that shows a complete disregard for the safety of others. This could include speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or running red lights.
Careless driving vs Reckless driving
Reckless driving is a more serious charge than careless driving. It means that the driver showed a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of others while operating a vehicle. This can include speeding, running red lights, weaving in and out of traffic, or any other dangerous behavior.
A reckless driver is someone who drives in a way that shows they don’t care about the safety of themselves or others.
Reckless driving is a criminal offense whereas careless driving is only an infraction. This means that if you are convicted of reckless driving you could face jail time, whereas with careless driving you would only receive a fine.
Careless driving is often seen as a lesser charge than reckless driving because it implies that the driver was not aware of the potential danger they were causing. However, both charges are serious and can result in significant penalties. If you have been charged with either reckless or careless driving, it is important to speak to an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Examples of Careless and Reckless Driving
Some examples of careless driving include:
-Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone
-Not paying attention to the road
-Falling asleep at the wheel
Some examples of reckless driving include:
-Speeding or racing on the highway
-Tailgating or cutting off other drivers
-Running red lights or stop signs
-Making unsafe lane changes
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