Safe Driving Practices and Sharing the Road
Space, speed, and visibility
Most safe-driving questions come down to managing space and speed. Keep a cushion around your vehicle, adjust speed to conditions (the posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target in rain or fog), and use headlights whenever visibility is poor. Oregon requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever you cannot see people or vehicles clearly at 1,000 feet. In fog, use low beams - high beams reflect back and reduce visibility.
Sharing with motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, and pedestrians
Motorcycles and bicycles are smaller and harder to see, so give them a full lane and extra following distance. When passing a bicycle, leave a safe margin and do not crowd them at intersections. Large trucks have big blind spots (the "No-Zone") on both sides, directly behind, and directly in front; if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Never cut in front of a truck and brake - they need far more stopping distance. Pedestrians in a crosswalk always have the right-of-way, and you must stop for them.
Traps to watch for
Questions mix up high beams and low beams in fog, or suggest that the posted speed limit is always safe. Another classic trap is the truck's right turn: large trucks often swing left before turning right, so never squeeze into the space on their right. Distracted driving - phones, eating, grooming - is a frequent topic; keep your attention on the road.
Worked example
A truck ahead signals a right turn but drifts toward the left. Rule of thumb: that swing is normal - stay back and never pass on the right, because the trailer will sweep through that space.