Legal Definitions - careless

Definition: “Careless” means not showing or taking enough care and attention, which can lead to negligence or failure to act with necessary prudence. The word careless is used to determine a standard of conduct under various branches of law. The meaning of careless remains the same universally, but there may be differences in statutory interpretation of the word across jurisdictions.

• Careless driving: A person who drives a vehicle carelessly, or without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of careless driving. For example, if a driver is texting while driving and causes an accident, they could be charged with careless driving.
• Careless operation of vessel: A person who operates a vessel on the waters of this State, without due caution and circumspection, in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, a person or property shall be guilty of careless operation. For example, if a boat operator is speeding in a crowded area and causes a collision, they could be charged with careless operation of a vessel.
• Careless use of explosives: No person shall store, handle, dispose, transport, transfer, load, unload, or use explosives or blasting agents in a careless or imprudent manner without regard for the hazards or circumstances in which the explosives or blasting agents are being stored, handled, disposed, transported, transferred, loaded, unloaded, or used. For example, if a person is using explosives without proper training or safety precautions, they could be charged with careless use of explosives.

These examples illustrate how careless behavior can lead to dangerous situations and harm to people or property. It is important to act with caution and prudence to avoid being charged with careless behavior.