Final answer:
The Smith system of defensive driving encourages drivers to keep a safe following distance, promoting proactive habits for road safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Smith system of defensive driving encourages drivers to engage in behaviors that promote safety on the road. One of the key principles of this system is to keep a safe following distance, which allows drivers enough time to react to the traffic conditions and actions of other drivers.
The system does not advocate driving overly slowly without reason, using the horn excessively, or ignoring traffic signs and signals. Instead, it focuses on proactive driving habits to prevent accidents and ensure a safer driving environment for everyone.