Which of the following is a key principle of defensive driving?

Anticipating the actions of other drivers and responding proactively is a cornerstone of defensive driving because it emphasizes the importance of being aware of your surroundings and the behavior of others on the road. This principle encourages drivers to not just react to situations as they arise but to foresee potential hazards and adjust their driving accordingly. By doing so, defensive drivers can mitigate risks, enhance their safety, and that of their passengers and other road users.

Being proactive means actively scanning the environment, understanding traffic patterns, and identifying potential dangers before they become critical issues. This can involve recognizing when another driver is about to make a turn, signaling intentions, or noticing a pedestrian preparing to cross the road. By employing this mindset, drivers can create a safer driving experience by avoiding collisions and other accidents that may arise from unanticipated actions of other motorists.

In contrast, the other options could lead to unsafe driving conditions. Driving at high speeds increases stopping distance and reaction time, making it more difficult to respond to sudden hazards. Relying solely on road signs can result in missed information about traffic flow, conditions, and the behavior of other drivers. Not using mirrors limits situational awareness, which is crucial for anticipating and reacting to other drivers' actions. Overall, the proactive approach of