[binlagin]

Another good point in this story is to not go flying into blind corners while on the streets.

Anything could be around that corner at any point as the OP has pointed out.

On the tailgating thing, it's a toss up. I'm always worried if I leave a big enough gap between myself and the car in front of me.. another vehicle might see that gap, not check their blind spot and attempt to merge into my lane.

Of course if your following to closely and say a 2x4 is laying across your lane.. you might not have enough time to avoid it.

I try and strike a safe balance between the two as it depends on traffic and conditions.