Understanding who has the right of way on the road can help prevent accidents and reduce confusion for drivers, cyclists, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians.
Right of way laws exist with the goal of keeping traffic flowing smoothly and safely. However, not everyone is clear about how the concept of right of way works, and some are just ignorant.
Unfortunately, failure to yield the right of way puts other people at risk. In this article, we will discuss the basics and some exceptions when it comes to right of way laws to help you stay safe and informed. Let’s start with definitions.
What Is the Right of Way?
The term “right of way” refers to who has the legal right to proceed on the road. For example, when you are at an intersection joining the main highway, or a pedestrian is approaching the street.
Most people forget that the right of way is yielded, not taken. In simple terms, just because you have the right of way doesn’t mean it is safe to proceed.
Basic Right-of-Way Rules
Here are a few standard situations where the right-of-way rules apply:
Stop Signs and Traffic Lights
At a stop sign, the first car that stops should be the first car to go. If two cars arrive at the same time, then the car on the right usually goes first. At green lights, you can go if the intersection is clear. However, left turns must yield to oncoming traffic.
At the roundabout, the cars in the middle of the circle have the right of way over those entering to enable a smooth flow of traffic.
Four-Way Uncontrolled Traffic
At a four-way stop, the driver who arrives first should be the first to go, and the rest should follow in the same order. If there is no sign and the traffic is uncontrolled, as mentioned, slow down and yield to any vehicles in the intersection coming from the right.
Turning Left or Right
When turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. However, when turning right on red or at a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians before turning.
Pedestrians in Crosswalks
Drivers must always yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Unfortunately, this is the most commonly violated right, which can lead to very serious consequences.
Common Exceptions to the Rules
There are some situations where the normal right of way rules don’t apply. These exceptions are put in place to prioritize safety in emergency situations.
In the case of emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks that have their lights and sirens on, drivers must pull over and allow them to pass, no matter the situation.
If a school bus is stopped with a flashing red light, then all traffic in all directions must stop to protect the children getting on or off the bus.
For construction zones, always follow the directions given by workers or the temporary signs. This may mean overlooking regular traffic signs.
In many states and places, vehicles in funeral processions have the right of way, even at intersections. Other drivers are expected to yield and not try cutting in the line of vehicles.
Additionally, visually impaired pedestrians have the right-of-way. For example, someone using a cane or having a guide dog. They automatically have the right of way even if they are not at a crosswalk.
Conclusion
Failure to yield the right of way can lead to serious consequences like getting a traffic ticket, getting a fine, or even causing an accident.
Therefore, right of way laws are essential for keeping traffic safe and predictable. Even though these rules may not be straightforward, understanding everything, including exceptions, is important.
