What is the primary objective of defensive driving?

The primary objective of defensive driving is to anticipate and react to the actions of other drivers. This approach emphasizes the importance of being proactive rather than reactive while driving. Defensive driving involves being aware of your surroundings, predicting potential hazards, and making safe decisions before a situation becomes critical. By anticipating the actions of other drivers and potential risks, a driver can reduce the likelihood of accidents and enhance overall road safety.

This mindset allows drivers to maintain a safe following distance, signal their intentions clearly, and be prepared for unexpected behavior from other road users. While following traffic laws, increasing speed, and reducing insurance costs are all related to driving, they do not encompass the central theme of defensive driving, which focuses primarily on maintaining awareness and exercising caution.