Originally Posted by KonAaron Snake

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this before, but one of those dangerous situations no one talks about is driving by a car wash...the soapy water on the streets can be dangerous if you're not ready for it. If you see a car wash slow down and don't make sudden movements...I've watched people go down because of that.

Originally Posted by Confederate

In addition to recommending a mirror, I will recommend this particular mirror:
http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-C.../dp/B001VTQNVO
Prior to buying one of these, I had twice tried mirrors and I gave up both times. The mirrors just shook so much that I couldn't see anything in them. This one works much better. It is ever so slightly larger, which certainly helps. And it shakes much less (though the shake is still noticeable). I presume it is because of the material--brass instead of plastic. You can find these things at most bike shops. I know that REI stocks them. And, of course, Amazon.

I feel much better riding when I can see behind me. Even if you can hear a car, I want to know more than my ears can tell me. What kind of car is it? If it is a truck, is it a wide load? Usually, I can actually see the driver. Does he look alert? Is he fiddling with the radio? Imagine if you looked back and saw some drunk swerving down the road towards you. The odds of being able to see that in time to react may be low, but the odds are much higher than if you can't see behind you at all without turning your head. If I look behind me and find anything suspicious at all about an approaching car, even if I can't articulate exactly what it is, I'll definitely take refuge in the ditch or on the sidewalk.