To drive **safely and efficiently**, it is essential to **begin the approach phase to an intersection by visualizing it from afar**. This is due to several reasons:

- **Looking far ahead** allows you to control what happens in the space your vehicle will cover in the next 20 seconds. This practice is essential to **anticipate dangerous situations** and avoid sudden maneuvers like abrupt braking or sudden acceleration. The faster you drive, the further ahead you should look to maintain control and safety.

- **Defensive driving** is based on three pillars: **vision, anticipation, and space**. Vision involves looking in all directions to obtain relevant information and avoid distractions. Anticipation helps you foresee the movements of other drivers, allowing you to **react in time**. Maintaining an adequate safety distance is crucial to have enough space to maneuver if necessary.

- By visualizing the intersection from afar, you can **act with sufficient anticipation**, giving you time to adjust your speed, change lanes if necessary, and prepare to yield or stop if conditions require it.

In summary, looking far ahead and anticipating situations at an intersection allows you to **act with sufficient anticipation**, ensuring a safer and more efficient drive.