Look further ahead than you think you need to
New drivers tend to focus on the car in front of them. Experienced defensive drivers scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead — about a quarter mile on a highway. Looking that far ahead lets you see brake lights, lane changes, and slowdowns long before they affect you.
Always have an out
Try to maintain at least one open escape route. If you are in heavy traffic, leave space in front of you that you can swerve into. If a car is tailgating, change lanes to let them pass rather than brake-checking. If a truck is alongside you, do not stay in its blind spot.
Assume the worst at intersections
Intersections produce the highest crash rate per mile. When your light turns green, look both ways before entering. When making a left turn, watch for an oncoming car that suddenly accelerates rather than stops on yellow. When following a car through a yellow, expect the driver to brake unexpectedly.
Drive at one consistent speed
Unpredictable speed changes — speeding up, slowing down, riding the brake — make you the unpredictable driver other people are defending against. Pick a speed that fits the flow and hold it.