JIM LUFF DRIVING GEM: Because we do many residential pickups, we tend to drive in areas where there is no stop sign or other intersection controls. These are dangerous intersections as everyone usually believes the direction they are traveling is the "right of way." When approaching these intersections, always look LEFT first. If there is oncoming traffic, your vehicle will be in the direct path of cars approaching to from the left before the right. Once you have looked left, look right, check for oncoming traffic from the opposite direction to make sure no one is going to turn left or right into your path. Then look left again and proceed into the uncontrolled intersection with caution. Always be aware of bicyclists in neighborhoods as well who may be traveling in the wrong direction. — Jim Luff, LCT contributing editor