Which is NOT one of the five elements of defensive driving?

The concept of defensive driving encompasses a set of principles that aim to enhance safety on the roads by anticipating and reacting to potential dangers. Among the elements commonly acknowledged in defensive driving are:

1. Skill in handling an ambulance: This is crucial as it pertains to the driver's ability to operate the vehicle effectively under various conditions, which directly contributes to safety.

2. Knowledge of road rules: Familiarity with traffic laws and regulations is essential for any driver, allowing for informed decisions that comply with legal standards and encourage safe practices.

3. Awareness of potential hazards: Defensive driving requires constant vigilance and the ability to identify and react to hazards on the road, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and environmental conditions.

While speed is certainly a consideration in the broader context of safe driving, it does not constitute one of the core elements of defensive driving. High speed can indeed be a contributing factor to accidents, but defensive driving focuses more on the proactive measures a driver can take to avoid accidents, rather than on the specific aspect of how fast one is driving. Hence, speed of driving stands apart from the five elements of defensive driving, making it the option that does not align with the fundamental principles.