What is the primary purpose of defensive driving?

• A. To win races.
• B. To anticipate hazards, maintain safe distances, obey traffic laws, and reduce crash risk.
• C. To speed up to reach destination faster.
• D. To rely on others to avoid accidents.

Answer: (B)

Defensive driving is about reducing risk by being proactive on the road. The primary goal is to anticipate hazards, maintain a safe following distance, obey traffic laws, and adjust speed to conditions so you can minimize crash risk even when others make mistakes. This approach keeps you in control: scanning ahead, recognizing potential problems early, signaling intentions, and staying alert so you have time to react. Actions like trying to win races or rushing to get somewhere faster raise crash risk, and relying on others to avoid accidents is unsafe because you can’t control their behavior. The core idea is to stay predictable, prepared, and courteous to everyone sharing the road.