Defensive riding only protects you so much, other tactics and being seen is #1 priority when I ride. I have also been using the SMIDSY technique much more often, seems to help.
I get your point and agree with you, but I refuse to let the high ground when it comes to
my life. Here's an example: I come to a crossing and I have the right of way. A car is coming to the crossing from the side street, he seems to have seen me and brakes. The driver seems to be an attentive one and he is looking at me. His vehicle is not moving. I still cover both brake levers and clutch and back off the gas. I DO NOT assume that he saw me, and that he is waiting for me to pass before he starts rolling. NEVER.
This is my mental state when I drive. I also don't overtake trucks on the highway until the full length of the truck is free for me to pass him entirely. You never know when the driver might decide to change lane for whatever reason. With a car, you're at windshield height. With a truck, you're half a second away from being between the axles.
The list goes on.
I think Zteve here is quoting me...
I'm sure it's already been said here many times. But "drive like you're invisible" is the best advise ever. IMHO