what is defensive driving

Defensive driving is the practice of anticipating dangerous situations and taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of collisions and improve road safety. It involves utilizing safe driving strategies to address identified hazards in a predictable manner, going beyond basic traffic laws and procedures. Defensive driving techniques include maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, being aware of road and environmental conditions, and making well-informed decisions to reduce driving risks. Defensive driving courses also focus on overcoming negative psychological factors such as stress, fatigue, emotional distress, and road rage, as well as crash prevention techniques. The benefits of defensive driving may include a reduction of points on a drivers license following a ticket and a potential decrease in insurance rates for a period of time. Overall, defensive driving is about driving to save lives, time, and money, despite the conditions around you and the actions of others.