What should you do while scanning for potential hazards ahead?

When scanning for potential hazards ahead, the focus should be on identifying hazards that could cause problems. This involves a proactive assessment of the road and surrounding environment to anticipate and respond to possible dangers. By being aware of potential risks, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or changing traffic conditions, a driver can make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Identifying hazards allows drivers to plan their actions in advance, reducing the likelihood of sudden maneuvers that could lead to accidents. This careful observation is a critical skill in defensive driving, as it enables a driver to maintain a safe distance, adjust their speed, or prepare for any necessary evasive actions.

The other choices do not support effective hazard management while driving. Ignoring close objects can lead to missing important cues that contribute to safe driving. Taking immediate action on all detected hazards could lead to erratic driving behavior, and only looking ahead while avoiding side scanning limits a driver’s situational awareness, increasing the risk of collisions with obstacles or other road users that may come from the periphery.