The traffic safety industry has taught the principles of defensive driving for decades.  Based on the simple expression "watch out for the other guy," these principles have provided an excellent foundation for safe driving education.  

The GAAP System, as taught in these articles, reflects the time-tested defensive driving teachings of safe driving experts.  To these excellent practices, the GAAP system adds a layer of safety by advocating Risk-neutralization strategies.  

These Risk Neutralization strategies are built upon the characteristics of gentleness (the "G" in GAAP) and the three-word GAAPP Safety Triad (Never, Always, Once).

Defensive driving teaches defensive habits that must be activated whenever a risk occurs.   Never assuming that a green light means you are safe to proceed without cross-checking the intersection is an obvious example of "defensive driving."  Risk Neutralization employs a more restrictive set of habits that, when developed, will reduce the frequency of risk situations encountered.  For example, "Defensive driving" teaches how to execute a safe lane change in traffic.  In contrast, "Risk Neutralization" applies the characteristic of gentleness to decide if a lane change is even necessary.  Every lane change involves some level of risk.  Reduce the number of lane changes to reduce the risk of a driving event.  

Every lane change presents numerous risk factors.   By making lane changes only when it is necessary to change roads or directions, a driver reduces or "neutralizes" risk factors.  Gentle drivers know that lane changes to advance a  few car lengths have almost zero impact on driving time.  For this reason, a driver who practices "Risk-Neutralized" driving never makes an unnecessary lane change.

The characteristic of Gentleness in driving means using only the force necessary to get from point "A" to point "B."  Unnecessary lane changes generally reflect a characteristic of aggressiveness and rush that invariably increases risk.

Practicing gentleness while driving requires a mindset and habits that are often challenged by the hurry and stress that characterize our lives.  Specific practices or habits must be developed to counter the effects of hurry, anxiety, and other emotions.  These habits only work when created with the "Never, Always, Once" mentality of the GAAP Triad.

The principles of Gentleness and "Risk-Neutralization" are woven throughout the GAAP Safety New Driver Challenge articles.