What is Negligence?

• A. Any action which violates a standard of practice or care
• B. An intentional harm
• C. A minor traffic violation
• D. An accident caused by weather

Answer: (A)

Negligence means failing to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonably prudent operator. When an action violates established standards of practice or care, and harm or risk results, that is negligence. It’s about what you should have done under the circumstances, not about any intent to harm. It’s not about deliberate harm, nor is it simply a minor traffic violation or an accident caused by weather if you were acting within safety standards. Following department procedures and safety guidelines keeps you within the standard of care; breaching those standards constitutes negligence.