Before getting out of your parked car on a two-way street, what should you check for?

When preparing to exit a parked car on a two-way street, it is essential to check for cars or bicycles on the traffic side. This is crucial for ensuring your safety as well as that of others. Vehicles and bicycles may be approaching at any moment, and opening your door without checking can lead to a serious accident, putting you at risk of being hit or causing a collision with others.

This safety measure is vital, as the traffic side is where moving vehicles are likely to be found, and being vigilant helps to prevent injuries. Awareness of the surrounding environment, specifically on the side of the vehicle that is closest to active traffic, can effectively minimize risk when exiting your car.

While being aware of other parked cars, pedestrians on the sidewalk, and visible parking meters is also important, they do not pose the same immediate risk that oncoming traffic does, particularly in a dynamic environment like a two-way street. Hence, checking for traffic before opening the door is the most critical precaution to take.