defensive driving

American  

[dih-fen-siv drahy-ving] / dɪˈfɛn sɪv ˈdraɪ vɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of using driving strategies that minimize risk and help avoid accidents, as by predicting hazards on the road (often used attributively).

   Get an insurance discount by taking a defensive driving course.

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Etymology

Origin of defensive driving

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Verstappen, who heads into this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix 47 points ahead of Norris with four races to go, says he finds criticisms of his defensive driving "annoying" and pays no attention to them.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2024

During the six-month academy, rookie officers get 912 hours of training in areas such as firing weapons, defensive driving and de-escalation techniques.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2024

That same year, he started teaching his sons’ friends defensive driving skills, which soon led him to become the founder of B.R.A.K.E.S.

From Washington Post • Feb. 21, 2023

He received a written reprimand and was ordered to complete eight hours of defensive driving class.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2023

Getting in and out is an exercise in evasive not to mention defensive driving.

From Terminal Compromise: computer terrorism: when privacy and freedom are the victims: a novel by Schwartau, Winn