kenhughes,
A couple of other situations which make it impossible to have visual contact wth traffic on the runway, either landing or departing are:
Reduced visibility.
Undulating runway when traffic is in the dip.
We should always strive for excellence and zero accidents however, for anyone, including pilots, who thinks we're bad, try reading Dr Phil Hammond's book about failings in the UK NHS: 'Trust Me I'm (still) a Doctor'