Distracted driving: How to defend yourself on the road

  Arrive alive: Yield your ego when you drive!

As we learned from Part 1 of this article, distracted, dangerous drivers are a harsh reality of modern life on our roadways. So, it's up to you to ensure your own safety.

Here are the Top 5 defensive-driving strategies:

BE RESPECTFUL

First and foremost: Follow the rules of the road! e.g.:

• Use your turn signal
• Merge properly with other vehicles (one at a time!)
• Follow at a safe distance (use the 2-second rule for the car in front of you)
• Keep your pace within the general flow of traffic, neither significantly slower nor significantly faster

Next: Treat your fellow motorists with respect.  Let someone in ahead of you.  Don't slow down unnecessarily when making a turn.  Don't pull out suddenly in front of someone.  Don't stop in the right lane if you're going straight through an intersection (free that lane up for cars turning right!).  Give a glance and friendly nod or smile to the driver sitting next to you when stopped in traffic.

BE AWARE

Too many people drive as if all they need to be concerned with is what's about two car lengths ahead of them. So not true!  You must constantly scan the road -- not only ahead, but also to the sides and behind you. That way, you'll see the ladder that's teetering off the truck in front of you, and be ready in case it falls; or, you'll know when some aggressive, lane-swerving jerk is closing in on you fast, and be able to anticipate that he might decide to wedge himself in front of you, so you can slow down slightly and put more space there.  Or, you'll be ready to change lanes but will avoid a collision when you notice that the car two lanes over is moving into the same spot, but with no turn signal.  Speaking of changing lanes: ALWAYS make a visual head-check (not just mirrors!) before merging or changing lanes (blind spot can get you every time!).

Also, this bears repeating: Keep your distractions to a minimum. Never text or e-mail while driving, and try to refrain from eating, applying makeup, etc. If you must talk on the phone, at least use an earpiece -- and hang up when traffic gets hairy! 

BE RELAXED

Many accidents occur when a driver is mad, upset, stressed, or distracted in some way. Try to keep your attitude rational, calm and positive. And, give an errant or rude driver the benefit of the doubt -- maybe she's having a bad day. (Not that that's an excuse, but hey, we're all human; and besides, getting your own dander up is not going to help the situation!)

BE CONSISTENT

Drive at a consistent speed, and drive straight without swerving within your lane. Create navigatable space between you and other vehicles on the roadways. Do not make sudden or abrupt turns. Also, come to red lights and stop signs with a steadily slowing pace -- don't accelerate and then slam on the brakes (which is a huge gas-waster, by the way!).   The more others can anticipate your moves, the safer you will be.

BE PREPARED

Know where you are going. (Even when relying on a GPS, it's smart to at least review your route beforehand when navigating unfamiliar places.)  Never trust the other guy!  Sad to say, but expect the worst: a left turn from someone with her right blinker on; a red-light runner in the cross street; a bicyclist suddenly swerving into your lane; a child dashing out into the street. Be alert to the possibilities and have a strategy in mind for dealing with them. Also, keep the requisite emergency supplies -- spare tire, first-aid kit, flashlight -- easily accessible.

Bottom line: Be safe, be healthy, be happy!