What does 'defensive driving' mean?

Defensive driving refers to the skill of anticipating and responding to potential hazards while driving in order to avoid accidents. This involves being aware of your surroundings, recognizing the behavior of other drivers, and understanding the conditions that may affect driving. It emphasizes proactive measures, such as maintaining a safe distance, adjusting speed appropriately, and being prepared to react to unexpected situations. This approach helps drivers make quick decisions and stay safe on the road, reducing the likelihood of collisions.

The other options, while they may contribute to safe driving, do not encapsulate the full essence of defensive driving. For instance, simply driving slower than the posted speed limit does not address the need for vigilance and anticipation of hazards. While maintaining a significant distance is important, it alone does not define defensive driving. Lastly, only driving in clear weather conditions does not account for the various other situations—such as night driving or adverse weather—where defensive driving skills would be crucial.