When you give someone the right of way, it means you allow him to go first. Right of way in traffic refers to the legal right of a driver, pedestrian, or vehicle to proceed first in a specific situation. Understanding these rules helps prevent accidents and ensures smooth traffic flow.
Rules Associated with Right of Way
Here are rules as to when you must yield to the right of way
- At an intersection without a sign or signal, you should yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the right.
- At an intersection with stop signs at all corners, you must yield the right-of-way to the first vehicle to come to a complete stop. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.
- At any intersection where you want to turn left or right, you must yield the right-of-way. If you are turning left, you must wait for approaching traffic to pass or turn and for pedestrians in your path to cross. If you are turning right, you must wait for pedestrians to cross if they are in your path.
- A yield sign means you must slow down or stop if necessary and yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or on the intersecting road.
- When entering the road from a private road or driveway, you must yield to the vehicle on the road and the pedestrian on the sidewalk.
- You must yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian crossing at a specially marked pedestrian cross.
Categories of Right of Way
1. General Right of Way Rules
A. Intersections
- Uncontrolled Intersections: The vehicle on the right has the right of way when two vehicles arrive at the same time.
- Stop Signs: A driver must yield to traffic already in the intersection and to pedestrians.
- Traffic Signals: Follow the signals unless directed otherwise by law enforcement or traffic controllers.
B. Pedestrians
- Pedestrians always have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections.
- At unmarked crosswalks, drivers must yield if pedestrians are crossing.
C. Roundabouts
- Vehicles inside the roundabout have the right of way.
- Incoming traffic must yield before entering.
D. Emergency Vehicles
- Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars) with sirens or flashing lights always have the right of way.
- Drivers should pull over to the side of the road and stop when safe to do so.
E. Merging and Highways
- Vehicles merging onto a highway must yield to traffic already on the road.
- When two lanes merge, the driver on the left should yield to the driver on the right unless otherwise marked.
F. Left Turns
- Drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
2. Special Right of Way Situations
A. School Buses
- Vehicles must stop when a school bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop sign.
- In most cases, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median.
B. Railroad Crossings
- Trains always have the right of way.
- Drivers must stop at least 15 feet from a railroad crossing when signals are active.
C. Four-Way Stops
- The first vehicle to arrive at the stop sign has the right of way.
- If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
NOTE: Signaling does not give you the right-of-way, make sure the way is clear.
Do Pedestrians Have Right Of Way
Pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. As a driver, you must always come to a complete stop and let them pass safely, whether they’re crossing your lane or not. It’s also illegal for your vehicle to block a crosswalk.
Conclusion
Understanding right of way rules is essential for safe driving. Always remain alert, follow traffic signals, and yield when required to avoid accidents and legal penalties.
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