Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam

What offense has occurred if a pickup truck collides with another vehicle worth $18,000, causing $1,000 worth of damage due to not looking before backing up?

1. Assured destruction

2. Negligent damage

3. Reckless damage or destruction

4. General vandalism

The correct answer is: Reckless damage or destruction

The scenario describes a collision caused by the failure to look before backing up, resulting in property damage. The correct response pertains to the nature of the actions leading to the damage. Reckless damage or destruction indicates that an individual acted with a disregard for the known risks or consequences of their actions, which fits this situation well. The driver, by not taking the appropriate precautions when maneuvering the vehicle, displays a reckless disregard for others’ property, leading to the $1,000 in damages. In this context, the other options are less applicable. Assured destruction typically refers to an intentional act to cause damage, which does not align with the accidental nature of this incident. Negligent damage involves a lack of reasonable care but often conveys a lesser degree of fault than recklessness. General vandalism suggests a willful intention to damage property, which does not apply since the situation resulted from negligence rather than an intention to harm. Recognizing the nuances in behavior and intent is crucial in understanding the classification of such offenses.