What does defensive driving emphasize regarding speed?

Defensive driving emphasizes the importance of driving at a safe speed that is appropriate for the conditions encountered on the road. This means considering various factors such as weather conditions, traffic density, visibility, and road surface to determine the safest speed. The goal of defensive driving is to reduce the risk of accidents by being aware of the environment and adjusting one’s speed accordingly, rather than simply adhering to posted speed limits.

While driving at the posted limit may be suitable under certain conditions, it does not always ensure safety, especially in adverse weather or heavy traffic situations. Additionally, exceeding speed limits or encouraging speeding during emergencies could lead to dangerous situations and increase the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. Therefore, the principle of driving at a safe speed that takes into account the current conditions is a fundamental aspect of defensive driving.