My commute is primarily on residential sreets that cross major arteries. My morning commute usually has me on the road just before daybreak. One morning about a year ago, I stopped and then crossed a four-lane road (posted speed limit 40 mph, actual speeds generally higher) after checking to make sure no traffic was coming. Just as I cleared the first two lanes, a car running without any lights on roared by behind me. A couple of seconds slower on clearing his lane and I would have ended up plastered all over the place. Now, on my morning commute at those intersections, I come to a complete stop, look several times each way and use all the visual and aural cues available to make sure that no cars are coming. I have become a much more patient rider.