Explain what is meant by the "reasonable person" test.

This test is used in many areas but is especially important in determining the standard against which the defendant's conduct is measured in a negligence action. The reasonable person here is a careful, prudent, observant person going about the activities, not the average person. The test is analogous to par in the game of golf. Par is not what an average golfer would obtain as a score, but the score one would expect from a good golfer having a good day.