In keeping with the last two posts; Anytime I approach places where I see cars either entering the roadway or making possible turns I go into " super heads-up " mode. Even though I might be running a really bright front daytime strobe I don't assume a car just entering the intersection knows I'm there unless I'm able to make eye contact. Some people are just so much in a hurry that they really are in their own little world. The biggest danger zones are roads that allow unregulated left turns, exit and entry ramps. In those areas you really do have to be prepared for anything.

In my own case I feel I'm pretty good at spotting trouble if it's in front of me. My biggest threat ( I feel ) is from the rear. If someone comes at me from behind ( or my blind area ) I figure there isn't too much I can do about it as a cyclist other than try to ride to the right as far as I can and use the best visibility aids I can find. This is one of the reasons why I don't like to ride high speed roadways ( > 40mph speed limit ) that don't have good shoulders. Staying safe on a bike is not easy nowadays. Even with your best effort you can still be mowed down ( and likely the doff that hits you will claim he didn't see you. )