What should you understand by defensive driving?

Defensive driving emphasizes the importance of being aware of the driving environment and anticipating potential hazards. The key components of defensive driving include:

1. Not insisting on your rights - This underscores the principle that sometimes it's safer to yield and allow other drivers to proceed, rather than escalating a situation that could lead to an accident. This is important in promoting safety on the road.

2. Allowing for other people's mistakes - Acknowledging that other drivers can make errors is crucial. By being prepared for the unexpected actions of others, you can react safely and minimize the risk of collisions.

Stopping as a precaution at every crossroads is not a standard requirement in defensive driving. While caution is essential, making unnecessary stops at every intersection can lead to inefficiency and disrupt traffic flow. Defensive driving focuses on making informed decisions based on the specific circumstances of each road situation.

In summary, the correct combination emphasizes cooperation among drivers and awareness of one’s surroundings, which are central tenets of effective and safe driving according to German traffic laws.