What is the primary purpose of defensive driving?

The primary purpose of defensive driving is to prevent accidents and promote safety on the road. This approach involves being aware of potential hazards, anticipating the actions of other drivers, and using strategies to avoid dangerous situations. By focusing on safety, defensive driving techniques encourage drivers to maintain a safe following distance, adhere to speed limits, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists, ultimately reducing the likelihood of collisions.

While improving fuel efficiency, enhancing vehicle performance, and reducing travel time may have their benefits, these are secondary effects and not the main objective of defensive driving. The core focus remains on ensuring the safety of all road users, which is why the answer highlighting the promotion of safety is the most appropriate.