Is this a cognitive ability?

Is there some measurable ability that allows a person to picture himself in the future based on knowledge of the present? Something that would allow you to "think before you act."

What would make a person realize it would be a bad idea to, for example:

1. jump over a car on a skateboard wearing no helmet

2. game/go out to drink instead of study for a test

3. murder a person who took your parking spot in broad daylight in front of multiple people

Or if it's a combination of abilities I guess it doesn't really matter.