Which of the following actions is NOT part of defensive driving?

Answer: C — Ignoring potential hazards

Defensive driving is a key approach for ensuring safety on the road, emphasizing anticipation and awareness of potential risks. Ignoring potential hazards is fundamentally opposed to the principles of defensive driving. This practice encourages drivers to stay vigilant and proactive by recognizing and responding to dangers, such as sudden stops, erratic behavior from other drivers, or obstacles in the roadway. Maintaining awareness of one's surroundings, including both the vehicle ahead and other traffic, is essential for reacting appropriately in various situations. Looking well ahead allows drivers to anticipate changes and potential hazards, while keeping a proper following distance helps to ensure that there's enough space to react safely. Each of these actions contributes to making informed decisions on the road, which is at the heart of defensive driving. Therefore, neglecting to recognize potential hazards directly undermines the effectiveness of defensive driving techniques.