What is the primary objective of defensive driving?

The primary objective of defensive driving is to protect oneself and others on the road. This approach emphasizes awareness of the surrounding environment, anticipating potential hazards, and using strategies to mitigate risks. By adopting defensive driving techniques, a driver fosters a safer driving environment not only for themselves but also for other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. This method involves being mindful of the actions of other drivers and being prepared to react safely to their mistakes or unpredictable behaviors. The focus is ultimately on safety rather than speed, isolation from other drivers, or rigid adherence to traffic signals. Although following traffic signals is important, it is just one aspect of the larger goal of ensuring safety on the roads.