developing your smart driving skills The driving environment includes everything around you, including other road users, road  conditions, weather conditions and all activities at the side of the road that might affect you. Space conflicts  think about Surprises  64 A space conflict happens when two road users try to move into  the same space at the same time. To drive safely, you need to  keep areas of space — called space margins — around your  vehicle. If you need to stop suddenly, a driver too close behind  you could cause a space conflict. Some other space conflicts are:  You are about to pull away  from the side of the road  into traffic. Where should  you look? What should you  look for?  Anything unpredictable is a hazard. A car door opening  suddenly could be a surprise for a cyclist. If the cyclist swerves  to avoid it or falls in front of you, you could be surprised as  well. To avoid surprises, think well ahead and ask yourself what  could possibly happen in the driving environment. Some other  surprises are:  • a vehicle pulling into your path  • a pedestrian stepping onto the road in front of your vehicle  • a vehicle backing out of a driveway. • a driver weaving back and forth  • a poorly loaded pickup truck — something might fall  • a skateboarder who might suddenly dart onto the road.