Learn to rely on one person, and one person only: yourself. Be paranoid. When you see a dented, dirty or neglected car, be especially paranoid. Dents are a rolling history of mistakes, and you don't want to be involved. Dirt and neglect show disinterest, and that disinterest probably bleeds into their driving as well.
Prevention is the best cure. Trust your instincts, if you get a funny feeling about the car in front of you, slack down a bit and move closer, but keep at a safe stopping distance from the car. Observe the driver's behaviour for a few seconds and then overtake when you have decided its the right moment.
Also remember that we as bikers have nothing to prove and by blitzing through heavy early morning traffic doesn't make us superhero's, it actually makes us look like fools with no regard for our fellow commuters in their cars. We ARE going to get to our destination before them, so take your time, do not rush, observe your surroundings and always be aware of the cars around you.
