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outside of an intersection is always safer than being in the middle of the "action."

It's also less expensive. A handful of metropolitan areas infamously plagued by gridlock (including London, New York, and Miami) have started "Don't Block the Box" campaigns at various points in recent history. In this program, selected intersections are painted with diagonal white lines, inside the "box" created by the four corners of an intersection. If any part of your vehicle is jutting out into this box when your light turns red, police can give you a citation. You could get fined a few hundred dollars, depending on what city you're in - look for it at a busy intersection near you!

This also goes for turning. Intersections all over the world become locally infamous because drivers turn across opposite traffic lanes, but don't have a snowball's chance in hell of escaping before the lights change. This happens daily in some cases, thanks to long commuter busses that must make their assigned stop mere feet past the intersection, causing other motorists to inevitably pile up behind them. Again, look to see if there is room for your vehicle behind the one in front of you, whether you're driving straight or turning. If not, stay where you are.

== Pedestrian Awareness ==

Most laws state that pedestrians have the right-of-way, and we should all be mindful of that. However, we should also remember that the reality of any given crosswalk is inherently dangerous; some pedestrians and drivers will assume too much, and when that happens on both sides of the equation, tragedy sometimes occurs. If the other traveler is not paying attention, be extra cautious. Again, eye contact is key.

If you're driving, look ahead for people using their feet, skateboards, rollerblades, bikes, segways, wheelchairs, and other personal transport. If you're walking (or rolling), look ahead for vehicles, especially if they're coming down a hill. (You'll never know the condition of the vehicle's brakes.) To put it bluntly, it's up to you to avoid the collision, the pain and suffering, the possible police record, and the possible hospital/garage/morgue bills. No, you don't have to be neurotic every time you want to cross an intersection - just take off the blinders. Be aware of your ever-changing surroundings.

== Summary ==

Remember: Just because traffic should allow you to move forward, doesn't mean it will. Look at how the situation really is, as opposed to how you think it should be, and act accordingly. (A good rule of thumb for almost every life situation.) It's all about safety and courtesy. Don't let today's frantic mindset get you all riled up. Try to relax and focus when you're driving in congested areas; you'll do much better. Save "high-speed" for the Internet.

Learn more about this author, Len Morse.
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