Final answer:
Defensive driving is the practice of anticipating and responding properly to hazards on the road to prevent accidents. It includes the use of seat belts and understanding traffic laws, the physics of safety features, and fast nervous system responses, as well as awareness of environmental cues for safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The art of protecting yourself and others from dangerous and unexpected changes in the driving environment is known as defensive driving. Defensive driving encompasses a variety of practices and behaviors that drivers can use to anticipate hazards and respond appropriately to prevent accidents. For example, wearing seat belts is a basic defensive driving practice that helps protect the occupants of a vehicle in case of a crash. Laws regarding seat belt use have been enacted to encourage this defensive behavior, reduce traffic accidents, and minimize the burden on society from the consequences of these accidents.
Understanding the physics behind safety features like seat belts can further highlight the importance of defensive driving. Seat belts utilize the concept of impulse to help control the forces on the body during an accident, thereby reducing the likelihood of serious injury or death. Additionally, an individual's nervous system plays a crucial role in enabling them to react rapidly to prevent a collision, which is an essential aspect of defensive driving.
Finally, understanding and interpreting the environment, such as reading the landscape for potential dangers, can be vital. This kind of awareness allows drivers to anticipate risks like high-crime areas and respond defensively to ensure their safety and that of others.