You should also be checking from side to side for anything unexpected, especially at intersections, where traffic could be coming from anywhere, whether or not you have the right-of-way. Those car chases you see on the news? They have to be happening somewhere. So make like Larry David, and always assume the worst.

The general rule when checking from side to side is: left, right, left. Yes, the same order in which you tie your shoelaces. The reason for checking your left one last time is because the traffic coming from that direction will be closer to you than that coming from your right, and you want to look again in case something new has developed in the last half-second. You scoff, but a half-second is a long time out there on the road. Especially when you have to pee.

Even though you obey traffic signals religiously doesn’t mean that everyone else does. Account for those who may take a red light with a grain of salt, and check in all directions at intersections with traffic signals. Just think: somewhere out there is the worst driver in the world, and with your luck you’ll probably run into him. Hopefully not literally.

Follow these rules to keep enough distance on either side of your vehicle:

1. Avoid driving in anyone else’s blind spot. Although it may make you feel stealthy and spy-like, it really isn’t very safe. Just focus on the road and go get that microfilm.
2. Don’t drive right alongside another vehicle. Either let them move ahead, or move ahead yourself. For all you know, they have one of those metal spike things that springs out from their hub-cap and grinds up the side of your car. Or, more commonly, he may not be paying attention and he might try changing lanes right into you. Either one’s no good.
3. If you’re driving on a freeway, and you see a vehicle about to merge, allow them to enter ahead of you unless it would be dangerous to reduce your speed in time. You can count that as your good deed for the day.
4. Drivers who aren’t paying attention may suddenly realize that they need to exit a freeway, and they may swerve in front of you. Be on the watch for that, and as before, have your hand ready over that horn.
5. Sometimes there are people in parked cars. Makes sense if you think about it; those cars had to get there somehow. Don’t drive close to a row of parked cars, as somebody may emerge at any moment. It would be disastrous if you hit them, because they have not yet had a chance to feed the meter, and they may get a ticket.
6. Be wary when driving near cyclists, either of the motor or bicycle variety. They are a reckless, unpredictable crowd, and most of them carry guns or daggers. Even if they don’t, keep your distance and don’t chance it.