What is the primary purpose of defensive driving?

The primary purpose of defensive driving is to reduce the risk of accidents by anticipating and responding to potential hazards. Defensive driving involves being proactive and aware of the surrounding environment, which includes other drivers' behaviors, road conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. By focusing on hazard detection and risk assessment, a driver practicing defensive driving is better equipped to make informed decisions that can prevent collisions and enhance overall road safety.

While reducing speeding and traffic violations is important for maintaining safe driving practices, it is not the overarching goal of defensive driving. Similarly, increasing fuel efficiency and familiarity with a vehicle's features are beneficial aspects of driving, but they do not encapsulate the core principle of defensive driving, which emphasizes the driver's ability to foresee and address potential dangers on the road effectively.