What is a key principle of defensive driving?

A key principle of defensive driving is the ability to anticipate potential accident situations and prepare to prevent them. This proactive approach emphasizes the importance of being aware of your surroundings, understanding the behaviors of other drivers, and recognizing hazards before they become serious problems. By consistently scanning the road and being prepared for unexpected events, a defensive driver can take actions such as adjusting speed, positioning the vehicle safely, or communicating with other road users to avert potential crashes. This mindset is fundamental to promoting safety and minimizing risks on the road.

Driving faster than the speed limit is against traffic laws and increases the likelihood of accidents. Avoiding all contact with other vehicles is unrealistic, as driving involves interactions with other road users; the goal is to minimize risk rather than eliminate all contact. Maintaining a constant speed may not be safe in all driving conditions, as flexibility in speed can be critical in responding to changing traffic situations.