What is the primary purpose of defensive driving?

The primary purpose of defensive driving is centered around prioritizing safety on the road, which ultimately leads to saving lives, time, and money. Defensive driving techniques equip drivers with the skills to anticipate potential hazards and to react appropriately to unexpected situations, thereby preventing accidents. This proactive approach not only protects the driver and passengers in their vehicle but also safeguards other road users, which aligns directly with the goal of reducing fatalities and injuries on the road.

Moreover, by reducing the likelihood of accidents, defensive driving contributes to saving money on potential repairs, insurance premiums, and legal expenses associated with accidents. It also helps in conserving time by minimizing delays that often result from collisions. While following signs and signals is important for overall road safety, it does not encompass the broader goals of defensive driving. Similarly, driving aggressively is contrary to the principles of defensive driving, and managing car maintenance costs is a separate concern that does not directly relate to the defensive driving mindset.