How did the intoxicated driver who struck and killed a pedestrian act?

The correct answer reflects the nature of the driver's actions in the context of their state of intoxication and the severe consequence that followed. Acting recklessly implies a disregard for the safety of others and a conscious choice to engage in behavior that is likely to cause harm. In this scenario, the intoxicated driver not only made a choice to drive under the influence but also showed a blatant disregard for the rules of the road and the lives of others, leading to the tragic outcome of striking and killing a pedestrian.

While negligence refers to a lack of care that results in harm, it may not fully encapsulate the driver’s awareness of the potential consequences of their actions in this case. Careless behavior suggests a lack of attention or thought, but again, it doesn’t capture the degree of awareness that can contribute to a reckless mindset. Intentional actions imply a deliberate desire to cause harm, which is not applicable here as the driver did not set out to kill anyone. Thus, recklessness is the appropriate term to describe the actions of an intoxicated driver, as it encompasses both the disregard for safety and the implications of their impaired decision-making.