Rule #1: If you can avoid it, never make anyone else slow down

• If changing lanes in front of someone, you must match or exceed their speed if at all possible
• Use cruise control whenever and wherever possible; every mile/kilometer per hour you speed up or slow down is causing a rippling effect of speed modulation behind you, which causes people to slow down
• If an emergency vehicle is coming the other direction, only make sure to not block possible places where they may be taking a left; you only need to slow down if it helps you stay out of their way

Rule #2: The passing lane is god

• On a road with two or more lanes, the left-most lane is for passing
• If a car is coming up behind you and you are in the left lane, use common sense and get out of the way of drivers that want to go faster than you
• Try to keep the left lane vacant as often as possible, giving others the opportunity to pass if they wish to do so

Rule #3: Follow two simple speed limit guidelines

• Never, ever drive below the speed limit, except in situations of extremely poor visibility or road conditions, like snow storms
• Never drive more than ten miles per hour above the speed limit, except when executing a passing maneuver
• The general goals are for everyone to drive about the same speed, and to eliminate as much as possible the need for people to pass or change lanes

Rule #4: Drive assertively, unselfishly, and in a relaxed manner

• When you make a decision, like to change lanes, go for it without hesitation; don't be wishy-washy
• Do not drive tense or scared; relax and enjoy the simple act of driving
• If someone else clearly wants to go faster than you, get out of their way
• Hold the steering wheel in whatever manner makes you most comfortable, aware of your surroundings, and able to react; there is no "right" way to hold a steering wheel, everyone is different

Rule #5: Always look where you're going, and always look ahead

• Develop a "mental radar"; every time you are about to pass a place where cars could have entered or exited the road and your blind spots, watch for whether there are cars entering or exiting, and remember it
• Unless you're on a three-plus lane road, or have just entered a road, you should never have to look over your shoulder if you've been paying attention
• Change lanes gradually so other cars can react, physically and mentally, but don't overdo it-- by the end of three signal blinks, you should be in the other lane; not before, not after
• Don't stare down in front of your car; look ahead so you can anticipate what's coming up

Rule #6: Use your car's body language and lights to communicate with other drivers

• Don't drive with your brake! Braking when you don't mean it is like crying wolf-- people don't know when you're really slowing down
• Think to use turn signals even in unconventional situations that involve cornering, just to let people know what your intentions are. And don't bother using them if there is no one around to see them, that will get you in the habit of using them for good purpose, versus just out of plain habit

Rule #7: Watch other cars' body language and lights

• If another car is drifting laterally, even subtly, or speeding up unexpectedly, they are often thinking about changing lanes
• When approaching a four-way stop, follow the rules of course, but also use the body language of your car to let other drivers know if you are asserting yourself, and watch for the same from others

Rule #8: Get and keep yourself in driving condition

• If the opportunity presents itself, take an Autocross class; it will make you not only familiar with the limits of your car, but make you infinitely more confident and coordinated
• If you are getting to the age where you are no longer able to apply the above rules, avoid driving whenever you can

Rule #9: Buy a car with good road feel, visibility and handling characteristics

• The better the road feel of the car, the easier it is to know if tires are slipping so you can adapt
• The better the visibility, the easier it is to be aware of your surroundings
• The better the car handles, the easier it is to avoid unpleasant situations

Rule #10: Adapt and learn

• No set of rules work absolutely and in all situations; follow the rules when they make sense, improvise when they don't. The key is to be always thinking and learning through experience