What does it mean to drive defensively?

Driving defensively encompasses a comprehensive approach to road safety, which involves anticipating potential hazards and being proactive in avoiding them. When you expect the unexpected, you remain alert to various factors that could affect your driving, such as sudden stops, erratic behavior from other drivers, or even unexpected actions by pedestrians. This mindset helps in reducing surprises on the road, allowing you to react appropriately.

Being aware of other vehicles and pedestrians is critical in ensuring that you can navigate your environment safely. This awareness includes maintaining a safe following distance, checking mirrors frequently, and being attentive to signals and movements of those around you, which reduces the risk of collisions.

Additionally, keeping an eye out for road hazards—such as potholes, construction zones, or debris—further enhances your ability to drive safely. Spotting these hazards in advance gives you the opportunity to take corrective action, thereby avoiding potential accidents.

Together, these elements signify that defensive driving is not just about reacting to the immediate situation, but also about preparing for a wide range of variables on the road. This holistic approach is what driving defensively means, making the correct answer all-encompassing with the inclusion of all the previously mentioned elements.