It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle in a negligent manner over and along the public highways of this Territory. For the purpose of this section to “operate in a negligent manner” means the operation of a vehicle upon the public highways of this Territory in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. The offense of operating a vehicle in a negligent manner shall be considered to be a lesser offense than, but included in, the offense of operating a vehicle in a reckless manner, and any person charged with operating a vehicle in a reckless manner may be convicted of the lesser offense of operating a vehicle in a negligent manner.