What is the definition of defensive driving?

Defensive driving is primarily defined as the practice of being aware of your surroundings while driving, anticipating potential hazards, and understanding the mistakes that other drivers might make. This approach enhances road safety and helps in preventing accidents by encouraging drivers to think ahead and prepare for unfavorable circumstances, such as sudden stops from other vehicles, pedestrians crossing, or changes in weather conditions.

The essence of defensive driving lies in the proactive measures taken to avoid collisions rather than merely reacting to them. It requires constant vigilance, including scanning the road for possible dangers and being prepared with alternative actions, like adjusting speed or changing lanes if necessary.

The other options do not capture the complete essence of defensive driving. Aggressively driving to make up time contradicts the very principles of safety and caution that defensive driving emphasizes. Driving without distractions focuses on reducing interference while driving but does not fully encompass the anticipation and planning involved in defensive driving. Lastly, only focusing on the road ahead ignores the need to be aware of the complete environment around the vehicle, including other road users and potential hazards.