Taxiway and runway delineation is all done with paint and lights. Problems can also occur at non-towered airports. Be particularly suspicious at airports where there are crossing runways and where a dip or hill will block your view of the opposite end of the runway or an intersection. At a non-towered airport, taxiing into position and holding on an active runway while another aircraft is clearing is an act of faith and not recommended, particularly when there's another aircraft on final. Review runway and taxiway markings, as well as ground signage, during the biennial flight review.
Most pilots devote full attention while airborne, but there is a tendency to relax during taxi.
Give your taxi route the attention it deserves. Stop, look, and listen. Bruce Landsberg is executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.