Being a good defensive driver involves ___ the actions of other drivers.

• A. ignoring
• B. copying
• C. anticipating
• D. criticizing

Answer: (C)

Anticipating the actions of other drivers is the core habit that keeps you ahead of potential hazards on the road. By constantly scanning and reading what’s happening around you—seeing brake lights, turn signals, lane changes, and erratic movements—you can predict likely next moves. This lets you adjust speed, position, and following distance early, giving you time to react if someone brakes suddenly, drifts out of a lane, or makes a risky maneuver. The goal is to create space and a cushion of time so emergencies don’t become crashes.

Ignoring what others are doing leaves you vulnerable to surprise moves. Copying others isn’t reliable because what they do might not be safe for your exact situation. Criticizing others is a distraction that takes your attention away from your own safe driving, defeating the purpose of staying defensive.