How is negligence best defined?

Negligence is best understood as a legal concept that refers to a person's failure to exercise ordinary care, which means not acting with the level of caution and concern an average person would provide in similar circumstances. This definition aligns with what negligence entails—an omission or action that results in harm or injury to another party due to insufficient care or consideration.

In the context of temporary traffic control, negligence could manifest in various ways, such as improperly setting up traffic signs, failing to provide sufficient warning for hazards in a work zone, or not taking necessary precautions to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety. By failing to exercise ordinary care, an individual or organization may be held liable for resulting damages or accidents.

The other options refer to different types of actions or legal principles. Deliberate harmful action relates to intentional torts rather than negligence, while failure to follow laws typically points to legal violations rather than the standard of care expected in negligence cases. Ignoring traffic signs may lead to negligent behavior, but it is a specific example of negligence rather than a general definition of the concept.