Like the dump truck driver, I always scan both ways before pulling out in to an intersection as my light turns green. I actually watch the crossing traffic prior to my light changing, so I know ahead if it's going to be clear or not. People in Spokane are really bad about pushing the limit on traffic lights.... far worse than the Pierce County vicinity (Tacoma, Puyallup, WA) where I moved from a few years ago.
This is one lesson to instill in new drivers.... watch for traffic before entering an intersection when you get the green light.