What does separating hazards mean when driving?

Separating hazards in driving refers to the practice of adjusting your speed and focusing on one hazard at a time, rather than attempting to deal with multiple hazards simultaneously. This strategy enables a driver to better assess each situation, make informed decisions, and take appropriate actions without becoming overwhelmed.

By slowing down or altering your speed in the presence of hazards, you create a controlled space where you can react to each hazard individually. For example, if approaching an intersection with both pedestrians and vehicles, a driver might reduce speed to prioritize interactions with pedestrians before addressing oncoming traffic. This approach enhances safety by minimizing the likelihood of accidents that could occur from trying to manage several dangers at once.

The other options, while they may seem relevant to driving, do not accurately capture the concept of separating hazards. For instance, handling multiple hazards at once typically increases risk instead of managing it. Ignoring small distractions does not align with safe driving practices and can lead to larger problems. Lastly, choosing the fastest route is not a safe driving technique and does not involve assessing or managing hazards effectively.