While stationed in Europe a long time ago, I was offered the job of being the commanding general's driver and bodyguard--chiefly because I speak fluent German and knew my way around pretty good. So they sent me to a special driving school where I learned, among other things, how to use the vehicle as a weapon to get the general (and me) out of an ambush.

I learned one technique that I still use today--in fact, almost every day. When I come up behind stopped traffic, I always stop so that I can see where the rear tires of the vehicle in front of me touch the road. It's an ingrained habit that I still do.

The big advantage of this is that I always give myself "escape room" in case of some unforeseen situation. You may not have adversaries trying to kill you (I hope), but this little technique might just keep you from being trapped some time somewhere you don't want to be.