If a person can recognise dangers in advance, they can react correctly in good time. Of all the sensory organs that humans have, they need their eyes 90% of the time in road traffic. In order to not endanger anyone or get in their way, I must always be attentive in road traffic and follow the rules. However, road users do not always behave faultlessly. Therefore, I have to watch them carefully and assess what their aims are.

The 3A rule helps me prepare better for the situation at hand. We avoid traffic accidents by assessing the other road users based on the following characteristics:

• Their age
• Their attentiveness
• Their aim

How old is the person?

• A child does not behave the same as an adult because they are not as experienced yet and may be distracted. For example, they may run across the road unexpectedly because they see someone on the other side of the road.
• Young people are sometimes careless, reckless and take risks.
• Older people tend to walk slower, as they may need walkers. Some can't hear and see as well anymore either.

How attentive is the person? A person is attentive, for example, if they make eye contact with me. Unlike a person who is talking on the phone while driving. They are distracted and may easily not see me.

What exactly does the person want to do? For example, I can tell the other road user's aim by an indicator or hand signal.

If I am attentive, I can avoid many dangerous situations by behaving correctly.

What can I see?

• Cars are parked on the right.
• A skateboard can be seen between two cars.
• Two children are talking.

What possible dangers should I expect?

• The children may suddenly run onto the road.
• The skateboard may roll into the road.
• A car door opening.
• A car may drive out of the parking space.

How do I react to avoid a dangerous situation?

• Look ahead
• Slow down
• Be ready to brake
• Ring your bell
• Increase your distance
• Look into the vehicles

A lorry has the most "blind spots" of all vehicles due to its design and size. If you are in the blind spot, the driver cannot see you. This area is shown in red in the animation.

Tips:

• Avoid blind spots
• Stop and wait behind the stationary lorry
• Make eye contact with the driver

To be on the safe side, I wait behind the stationary lorry. I never cycle to the front, even if there is enough space next to the lorry.

I adapt my speed to the respective road and visibility conditions. Especially in winter when roads are slippery and visibility is poor, e.g. snow, fog, blinding sun.

In addition to the cold season, there may also be situations in summer when I have to ride my bike particularly slowly or can only use the brakes carefully and sensitively. Here are some examples:

To be able to control my bike at all times, I must not hold any bags or objects in my hands. Bags or objects may be no more than one metre wide and may be carried by suitable means on the rack or in a backpack.