What role does 'eyewitness' play in defensive driving?

Being aware of your surroundings is essential in defensive driving, as it enables drivers to anticipate potential hazards and react appropriately. Defensive driving emphasizes the importance of constantly observing what's happening around the vehicle, which includes not only other vehicles but also pedestrians, cyclists, road conditions, and traffic signals. By maintaining situational awareness, drivers can identify potential dangers before they escalate into accidents. This proactive approach minimizes risk and enhances overall safety on the road.

The other options relate to important driving concepts, but they do not capture the core role of 'eyewitness' in defensive driving as effectively as awareness of surroundings does. Watching other drivers closely could be a part of awareness, but it doesn't encompass the full picture that includes all aspects of one’s surroundings. Reporting accidents is important for post-incident actions and accountability but does not directly contribute to preventing accidents. Practicing proper lane changes is crucial for safe driving, but it falls under specific maneuvers rather than the overarching mindset of awareness that is foundational to defensive driving.