Many drivers can agree that navigating intersections can be a challenging element of driving. This is where multiple vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists converge from different directions.
At intersections, the concept of the right of way is invaluable in helping ensure vehicle flow. Familiarizing with the right-of-way rules can help minimize confusion and potential collisions at intersections. But what exactly dictates which driver has the right of way at an intersection?
What is the right of way?
At its core, the right of way is determined by traffic laws, which are designed to create a predictable and orderly flow of traffic. The primary goal is to prevent conflicts and collisions by clearly defining who should yield in different scenarios.
The most straightforward determinant of the right of way is the presence of traffic signals and signs. When traffic lights are present, drivers are required to obey the signals. A green light communicates to a driver that they should be the one to proceed through the intersection. Conversely, a red light requires a driver to stop and yield to other traffic. Importantly, a yellow light reminds drivers at intersections that the light is about to turn red. In this case, drivers should prepare to stop unless it is unsafe to do so.
When a driver approaches a stop sign, they are required to come to a complete stop and yield to any road users who have already entered the intersection. Lastly, a yield sign encourages motorists to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Motorists who get involved in an intersection accident can use legal support to determine which driver didn’t yield to another. By identifying the driver at fault, affected motorists can have a better chance of securing fair compensation.