Defensive driving is best described as?

• A. A mindset of anticipating hazards, maintaining space, and planning ahead to prevent crashes.
• B. Aggressive driving to reach destination quickly.
• C. Relying on others to avoid hazards.
• D. Waiting for hazards to occur before reacting.

Answer: (A)

Defensive driving means actively looking for potential hazards and taking steps to prevent crashes before they happen. It’s about scanning the road ahead, checking mirrors, and anticipating what other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists might do. You create a space cushion by keeping a safe following distance and adjusting speed and position to avoid collisions. Planning ahead includes signaling early, choosing a safe lane, and adjusting to road, weather, and traffic conditions. This proactive approach reduces risk and gives you time to react if something unexpected occurs.

Aggressive driving focuses on speed and risk-taking, which increases crash risk. Relying on others to avoid hazards is passive and unreliable. Waiting for hazards to occur is reactive and leaves you little time to respond.