What do ATC controllers do to ensure the safety of VFR flights?

Air Traffic Control (ATC) plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights, and maintaining a safe distance from Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic is a key aspect of this responsibility. VFR flights are typically operated by pilots who navigate using visual references outside the aircraft, whereas IFR traffic relies on navigation by instruments and is usually under more stringent ATC control.

By keeping a safe distance from IFR traffic, ATC minimizes the risk of mid-air collisions and helps VFR pilots maintain situational awareness. This is particularly important in busy airspace where both VFR and IFR operations may occur simultaneously. ATC uses tools such as radar and communication protocols to monitor and manage the separation between these flight categories effectively.

The other options do not align with the critical role of ATC in ensuring VFR safety. Operating without oversight would expose VFR flights to significant risks, while providing instructions based solely on IFR traffic does not address the unique needs and operational methods employed by VFR pilots. Requiring regular position reports may be a part of ATC procedures but is not as primary for VFR flight safety as maintaining adequate separation from IFR traffic.