The 5th "Key" to the Smith System is to "Make Sure They See You"
Make Sure You Are Seen. This rule prevents accidents by removing assumptions made behind the wheel.
Direct eye contact with other drivers, using your headlights or flashers, and of course a short blast of your city or air horn will help you communicate with other traffic and make sure they see you!
You should never assume another driver can see you or that they are concerned with driving safely.
By getting eye contact from those who are seemingly unaware, you can avoid potential accidents.
The worst thing that you can do is assume. Assume other drivers can see them, assume other drivers are not dangerous, or even assume that they will just get to their destination safely.
Here are some tips:
Use your turn signals as early as practical for turns and lane changes and check to see that other drivers are heeding your signals
Communicate with the drivers behind you (use hand signals, turn signals, tap of the horn or soft brake applications)
Get eye contact, when appropriate
Turns your lights on when visibility is low in order to be seen
Don't ride in the blind spot of drivers on the left or right
If you feel you are coming into another driver’s blind spot, use the horn to get their attention
Use your horn, lights and signals to establish eye contact with vehicles and pedestrians
Use the "SMOG" Method when changing lanes or merging:
SMOG - When pulling away from a curb or shoulder or changing lanes:
The sequence of actions taken should be:
Activate the left signal.
Look at the right mirror for hazards
Look at the other (left) mirror for hazards.
Turn your head and glance over your left shoulder to clear the left side of the vehicle.