Defensive driving isn't just about reacting to the unknown. It's about removing the unknown by planning ahead and ___.

• A. Increasing speed to reduce time
• B. Gathering information before you even depart
• C. Listening to loud music
• D. Failing to plan

Answer: (B)

Defensive driving is about removing the unknown by planning ahead and gathering information before you depart. When you take the time to learn about the route, weather, traffic patterns, potential hazards, and your vehicle’s condition, you set yourself up to avoid surprises and drive more proactively. This is why gathering information before you depart is the best choice: it directly lowers uncertainty and gives you time to adjust your plan, anticipate hazards, and drive safely.

Rushing to drive faster to save time increases risk, because higher speeds shrink your ability to see and react and extend stopping distances. Distracting yourself with loud music pulls attention away from the road, making it harder to notice hazards. Failing to plan leaves you unprepared for changing conditions and doesn’t reduce unknowns.