Situations that require a driver to yield right-of-way

WHAT IS RIGHT OF WAY?Right of way is the right of one driver to

go first or to cross in front of another driver.

Right of way laws are to help and aid the flow of traffic in a safe way.

At some point while driving, you will have to let someone else go first, or yield right of way.

Drivers should never assume that you have right of way; you do not have right of way unless someone gives it to you.

WHAT IS RIGHT OF WAY?Always be alert to the lack of mistake and

knowledge of other drivers. For example, don’t expect that just because you are on the right of another vehicle at a four way stop that others will yield to you.

Right of way laws are issued by the Uniform Vehicle Code, therefore they are the same in all 50 States.

Violation of right of way laws are one of the main causes of traffic crashes and accidents.

Approaching and Entering

Intersections There are several different scenarios at intersections that involve yielding right of way.

These scenarios can be based on the type of intersection you are approaching as a driver, when you arrive at the intersection, and if you are to the right or left of another vehicle.

Different types include:Controlled intersections using road signs or traffic lightsUncontrolled intersections with no signs or traffic lightsFour-Way StopsIntersections with traffic that does not stop

Right of Way Intersection Rules

Uncontrolled Intersections – yield to vehicles already in the intersection. Also, drivers on the left must yield to those on the right.

Controlled Intersections with Traffic Lights – yield to vehicles still in the intersection when the light changes.

Controlled Intersections with Through Traffic – at stop or yield signs, yield to traffic on the through street.

Four Way Stops – yield to vehicles that arrive first. If arriving at the same time, yield to the vehicle on the right.

Uncontrolled Intersections

The picture below shows an uncontrolled intersection with no lights or signs.

Why is the driver in the red car continuing to move, why do they have the right of way?

Uncontrolled Intersections

ANSWERSIt was the first car to the

intersection.It is to the “right” of the blue car.There is no car to it’s “right” at

the intersection.

Controlled Intersections

The picture below shows an intersection controlled by stop signs and pavement markings.

Which car in the picture should proceed first and why?

Controlled Intersections

ANSWERS The blue car has the right of way

because they do not have a stop sign. The red car must wait until the blue

passes through the intersection before proceeding forward.

Controlled IntersectionsAnother scenario shows three cars at

a 4 Way Stop. Assuming that all of them were there

at the same time, who has the right of way?

Controlled Intersections

ANSWERSCar C (blue) would have the right of

way.Car B (yellow) would go next followed

by A (green).

Left TurnsWhen making a left turn within an

intersection or into an alley, driveway, or private road, you must yield the right of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction when it is within the intersection or so close to as to constitute and immediate hazard.

Left TurnsScenario – Based on the information

you were presented in the previous slide, which vehicle in the diagram below has the right of way.

Left Turns

The red car has the right of way in this scenario because the silver car is turning left therefore it will wait until the red car has proceeded through the intersection before making its turn.

Leaving a Driveway or Alley

When you are exiting or leaving a driveway or alley, you must yield to all traffic in the roadway.

In the picture below, who has the right of way?

Leaving a Driveway or Alley

ANSWERCar A has the right of

way.Car B is exiting a

driveway or alley, therefore they must allow Car A to pass before pulling into the road. Car B should come to a complete stop before exiting the driveway/alley.

Entering Highways

Match speed to traffic on freeway. Watch, signal and merge into traffic. Drivers on freeway should allow you room. Do NOT come to a full stop in the

acceleration lane!

On entrance ramps with no acceleration lane – obey the YIELD!

Railroad Crossings

An oncoming train ALWAYS has the right of way!

Slow down and look for the signs. Lights Signals Gates

Railroad Crossings Expect a train at any

time! Be cautious day and night.

Never get trapped on the track. Always be sure you can clear the track before crossing.

Never drive around gates.

Never race a train to the crossing – even if you tie, you lose!

Railroad Statistics Alabama ranks

#13 in the nation for highway-railroad crossing fatalities.

A motorist is 40 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train.

Emergency Vehicles Drivers must yield

to all types of emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire, police) when they are displaying a flashing red or blue light and sounding a siren or bell.

Emergency Vehicles If an emergency

vehicle is overtaking or meeting you, pull to the side of the roadway (if possible) and stop.

In an intersection, clear it before stopping. Don’t proceed until the emergency vehicle has passed.