defensive driving

[ dih-fen-siv drahy-ving ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of defensive driving¹

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

Verstappen's defensive driving was seen against Norris in Austin.

From BBC

It also affects how they drive – with Rob recommending “defensive driving”.

From BBC

And from there he made an audacious, surprise attack into Turn One and grabbed the lead, before spending the rest of the race holding the Ferrari at bay with a masterclass of defensive driving.

From BBC

However, Perez has won praise for his defensive driving to keep rivals off Verstappen’s back, especially when he held up Lewis Hamilton before Verstappen took his first title in Abu Dhabi in 2021.

From Seattle Times