What defensive driving skills translate to real-world city and highway driving?

[Mia99]

I've been driving for over a decade without any accidents, but my daily commute has become increasingly stressful with more aggressive drivers and distracted pedestrians. I want to proactively improve my skills beyond the basics, so I'm considering taking a defensive driving course to refresh my knowledge and learn advanced techniques. For those who have taken such courses recently, what specific skills or mental frameworks did you find most valuable for real-world city and highway driving? How has it changed your habits regarding following distance, scanning for hazards, and anticipating the mistakes of other drivers, and do you have any recommendations for reputable programs that focus on practical application rather than just insurance discount certification?