What is NOT considered a component of defensive driving?

Hand placement is not typically considered a direct component of defensive driving. Defensive driving primarily focuses on the strategies and techniques that drivers use to identify and react to potential hazards on the road. This includes maintaining awareness of surroundings, which involves being conscious of other vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions; speed management, which requires adjusting speed according to traffic and conditions; and proper signaling, which ensures that other road users are informed of your actions and intentions. Each of these components plays a vital role in preventing accidents and enhancing overall safety during driving. While hand placement is important for control and vehicle handling, it is not a distinct aspect of the defensive driving philosophy.