What is "defensive driving"?

What is "defensive driving"?

Reed Berry (Driving Expert) gives expert video advice on: Do I have to wear my seat belt? and more...

Defensive driving is basically watching out for the other guy. In fact, I can remember when I was growing up, they had public service announcements that said "Watch out for the other guy." That's what you're basically doing. You can be doing everything right, you could be obeying every traffic law, but what about the other guy? He might not be obeying the traffic laws. So what you're doing is scanning the roadway from side to side. You're looking about 12 seconds ahead to see what's going on up in front. You're keeping your eyes moving constantly, not fixed in one place. You're checking the rear view mirrors every five to seven seconds. This is defensive driving; being aware of everything that's going on around your vehicle.