Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam 2025 - Free TCOLE Practice Questions and Study Guide

Criminal negligence occurs when an individual fails to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that their actions could cause harm to others, resulting in a disregard for the safety of those around them.

In the context of the options presented, not securing a load properly exemplifies criminal negligence. This action shows a lack of due care that can reasonably be expected of a person in a similar situation. If a load is not secured, it poses a significant risk to other road users, potentially leading to accidents or injuries. The individual responsible for the load has a duty of care to ensure that it is safely secured to prevent harm, and a failure to do so reflects a substantial disregard for public safety.

Driving under the influence, while criminal and dangerous, is typically classified as willful or intentional misconduct rather than negligence, as it involves a conscious choice to engage in unsafe behavior. Intentionally hitting someone is an act of aggression and intent to harm, which also does not fall under negligence but rather under assault or battery. Failing to follow traffic signals can demonstrate negligent behavior but is more typically addressed as a traffic violation rather than criminal negligence. Therefore, not securing a load properly is the clearest manifestation of criminal negligence in this scenario.