While driving, I talk out loud about what I observe, what might occur and what my response might be. This has helped me in several areas (especially when running “hot”). It helps me to maintain steady breathing, keeps me focused, brings events to my conscious mind, helps me react quicker and make better decisions. I’ve been a uniformed working patrol officer for 30 years (and I’m still at it), and I have a reputation for calmness and never crashing. I believe this technique is the main reason. I have to give some credit to a training film I watched in the late 1970s. I applied what I learned and modified it over the years. It has helped keep me safe and healthy throughout my long career.