What is the benefit of carefully planning a route before navigation?

Carefully planning a route before navigation provides significant benefits, particularly in avoiding risks and improving efficiency. When a route is planned in advance, navigators can identify potential hazards, difficult terrain, and other obstacles that could impede progress. This foresight allows for informed decision-making and minimizes the chances of running into trouble during the actual navigation.

Moreover, a well-thought-out plan enhances efficiency by optimizing the chosen path to reduce unnecessary detours and conserve time and resources. It enables the navigator to assess various factors such as distance, elevation changes, and environmental conditions, leading to a smoother journey overall.

In contrast, the other options either suggest negative outcomes or misunderstand the importance of route planning. Taking too much time is not a valid concern when considering the safety and effectiveness of navigation, and blind navigation runs counter to the principles of good land navigation, which emphasize awareness of surroundings and strategic planning. Lastly, focusing solely on speed overlooks the comprehensive assessment required for safe and effective navigation.