What is the primary focus of defensive driving?

The primary focus of defensive driving is anticipating and responding to potential hazards on the road. This approach emphasizes the importance of being aware of your surroundings and recognizing potential dangers before they become serious issues. Defensive drivers stay alert to the behavior of other drivers, road conditions, and unexpected situations, allowing them to react appropriately to prevent accidents. By predicting potential problems and taking proactive measures, such as adjusting speed or position on the road, defensive driving enhances safety not only for the driver but also for passengers and other road users.

The other options, while they may contribute to safe driving practices, do not encompass the full scope of defensive driving. Strictly following speed limits is certainly a component of safe driving but does not alone address the need for awareness and anticipation of hazards. Maintaining a constant speed can be beneficial in certain situations, but it does not take into account the dynamic nature of driving environments. Frequent lane changing to avoid traffic might result in reckless maneuvers and creates additional risks, rather than promoting a defensive mindset focused on safety.