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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

When driving in urban traffic, defensive driving principles dictate that a driver should focus their primary visual attention exclusively on the vehicle directly in front of them to react quickly to sudden stopping.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Defensive driving requires looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead across the entire traffic scene rather than fixing visual attention solely on the vehicle directly in front.
The statement is false because proper defensive driving requires scanning the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead in urban environments to identify potential hazards early. Fixating primary vision solely on the lead vehicle reduces situational awareness and limits reaction time to broader traffic events.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the visual scanning requirement in defensive driving.
Defensive driving protocols specify establishing a 10 to 15 second visual lead time.
Looking well ahead allows drivers time to identify potential hazards, pedestrians, and changing signals before emergency action is necessary.
2
Evaluate the effect of fixating on the immediate lead vehicle.
Target fixation on the lead vehicle creates 'tunnel vision' and eliminates reaction buffer for downstream hazards.
Relying only on the lead vehicle's actions reduces a driver to a reactive state rather than an anticipatory state.
3
Determine the accuracy of the statement.
The statement contradicts established hazard anticipation techniques.
Continuous systematic scanning—including far ahead, side-to-side, and via mirrors—is required for safe spatial awareness.

Key Concept

Visual Scanning Horizon and Visual Lead Time
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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