• Scan the street for wheels and feet: Be especially careful to look for people walking and biking before turning at intersections and driveways.
• Yield to pedestrians: Pay attention to the pedestrian signal and give people walking the right-of-way.
• Double threat: Never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down for a pedestrian. Remember, you might not be able to see the pedestrian when you approach a stopped vehicle so be aware.
• Watch for bikes: People riding bicycles have the right to be on the road (and are often prohibited from riding on sidewalks), so respect their right to be there.
• Passing safely: Michigan law requires a minimum 3-foot safe passing distance when passing a bicyclist. If this is impracticable, a safe distance and speed is required. Some local ordinances require a greater distance. You may pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone as long as it is safe to do so. This may require motorists to use another lane or wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Don’t return to your original lane until well clear of the cyclist or other vulnerable roadway user. Don’t pass a person on a bike and then immediately turn right.
• Avoid the “right hook”: Look for and yield to people biking on the right when turning right.
• Avoid the “left cross”: Look for and yield to people walking across the street and yield to oncoming bicyclists when turning left.
• Visibility: Look for bicyclists at night and watch for their reflectors or lights.
• Check blind spots: Watch for bicyclists coming from behind, especially before turning right.
• Doors are dangerous: Before opening your car door, look in your side mirror and physically turn your body to make sure no bicyclists are coming.

Lowering speeds can save lives

Source: Impact Speed and a Pedestrian’s Risk of Severe Injury or Death. Brian Tefft, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2011