What is the primary goal of defensive driving?

The primary goal of defensive driving is to prevent accidents by anticipating and reacting to potential hazards. Defensive driving emphasizes the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and understanding that other drivers may act unpredictably. By adopting a proactive driving mindset, a defensive driver can foresee potential dangers, such as erratic actions from other vehicles, pedestrians, or changing road conditions, and take appropriate measures to avoid accidents.

While complying with traffic regulations is essential for safe driving, the focus of defensive driving goes beyond mere compliance; it involves being vigilant and adaptive. Additionally, while it is important to avoid interactions with other drivers, it is not practical to aim for complete avoidance. Interactions on the road are inevitable, so the goal of defensive driving is instead to navigate these interactions safely and effectively.

Enhancing driving speed and efficiency is not aligned with the principles of defensive driving, which prioritize safety above all else. Therefore, the emphasis remains on recognizing hazards and reacting appropriately to mitigate risks.