Which of the following is a key principle of safe driving?

Being aware of your surroundings and anticipating changes in traffic is a critical principle of safe driving because it helps drivers make informed decisions and respond effectively to dynamic road conditions. This awareness encompasses monitoring the behavior of other vehicles, anticipating potential hazards, and being ready to react to unforeseen circumstances such as pedestrians crossing, sudden stops, or cyclists merging into traffic.

Safe driving is fundamentally about minimizing risk and increasing your ability to react quickly and appropriately to situations that could lead to accidents. Anticipating changes allows drivers to maintain a safe following distance, adjust their speed, and take proactive measures to prevent collisions.

The other options reflect behaviors that contribute to unsafe driving practices. For instance, using a phone while driving distracts the driver, while not wearing a seatbelt compromises safety by increasing injury risk during an accident. Driving faster than the speed limit increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle and reduces the time available to react to hazards, significantly heightening the risk of a crash.