What is negligence?

• A. Breach of duty in which a person fails to perform at the standard required by law
• B. Deliberate harm caused by a driver
• C. A minor driving mistake with no consequences
• D. Failure to maintain perfect vehicle cleanliness

Answer: (A)

Negligence is failing to meet the expected standard of care. You have a duty to act with reasonable care toward others, and when you breach that duty by not performing at the level required by law, and that breach leads to harm or damages, it’s negligence. The best description here is a breach of duty in which the person does not perform to the standard the law requires. Deliberate harm is intentional, not negligent. A minor driving mistake with no consequences doesn’t involve the harm or damages element, and failing to keep a vehicle perfectly clean isn’t a legal standard of care.