simple ways to help prevent crashes - part 2

I previously shared a few ideas on how to prevent crashes. Here are a few more. These should be obvious, but too many people disregard them.

1. Stop at red lights and stop signs.

2. When preparing to turn right or left, watch for cyclists and pedestrians whose paths may intersect with yours and YIELD. The right hook is a very common type of crash, sometimes with fatal or life changing results. If you have a newer car with a camera under your right side mirror, use this valuable tool to help prevent this type of crash.

3. If you are parallel parking your car, check your side mirror and look over your shoulder for approaching cyclists before opening your door. Getting into the habit of using the "Dutch reach" instead of operating the door lever with your left hand is a good way to make this instinctive.

4. If you are leaving a curbside parking space, watch for cyclists and yield if needed before pulling out into traffic.

5. If someone else is a jerk in traffic, do your best to resist escalating it into a road rage conflict.

Each of us can make a difference in helping transform our traffic culture from a culture of selfishness to a culture of yielding and caring about the common good.