What is the primary purpose of using defensive driving techniques?

The primary purpose of using defensive driving techniques is to anticipate potential hazards and react accordingly. Defensive driving focuses on being proactive rather than reactive, allowing drivers to recognize risky situations before they occur. This includes scanning the road for road conditions, understanding the behaviors of other drivers, and being prepared for unexpected events such as sudden stops or obstacles.

By anticipating potential hazards, a driver can adjust their speed, position on the road, and level of alertness, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents. This anticipatory mindset is crucial for maintaining safety and protecting not only oneself but also passengers and other road users.

Although following traffic rules is important for safety, and traveling at higher speeds can be done responsibly under certain conditions, the core intention of defensive driving is rooted in hazard anticipation and risk reduction. Impressive maneuvers may draw attention but they do not contribute to safety in the way that defensive strategies do.