Which of the following is the best description of defensive riding?

Defensive riding is best described as continuously scanning the road and anticipating hazards, as this approach focuses on being aware of your surroundings and preparing for potential dangers before they become an issue. By actively looking for obstacles, other vehicles, and changing road conditions, a rider can make informed decisions to improve safety. This proactive mindset allows riders to respond effectively to unforeseen events, reducing the likelihood of accidents and enhancing overall safety on the road.

The other choices emphasize behaviors that could actually increase risk. Aggressively taking the lead does not consider the need for awareness of surroundings and traffic dynamics. Riding faster than traffic can create dangerous situations, as it increases the likelihood of losing control or not being able to react in time to obstacles or sudden stops. Finally, always following a vehicle closely negates the need for a safe following distance, which is critical for allowing ample reaction time to potential hazards.