[svandamme]

well, it's not really that much different here

the main rule is, that any driver, should at all times be able to stop for any obstacle
let's say a kid crosses the street from behind a parked car, you run over the kid
you're screwed, plain and simple

no if's, but's , or's

you're supposed to judge the road , and if there's any potential for something popping up, you're supposed to anticipate and slow down...

take Ghent where i work, small and narrow streets, it's a student town, they cycle to where they want to be, and they may come from any side, left , right, in front , behind you

you need to have your head on a swivel, because they know they are legally considered the weaker party, and the weaker party , practically does noet the blame if a bigger party flattens it... trust me, i load up on cafeine before i go to work