Training for the 1/2

Today I will be running 9 miles but I don't know where I'll be running. Here lately we have been running at the local park which has a 1 mile loop and we venture out into an adjoining neighborhood (because the same loop over and over is boring). The problem is the neighborhood is only about 1.5 miles total distance in and out and I'm getting tired of it. I'm very nervous about running on public roads due to local drivers (texting and talking on the phone) having no respect for runners. Where do you long distance guys go to run? Do you have ways to combat the bad drivers? If so please comment and share.

Thanks!