There are so many rules that drivers must follow when on the road, and yielding to others is one of them. Knowing when and how to yield the right of way doesn't only reduce your risk of getting injured or dying in an auto accident. It also saves you from unnecessary legal problems.
Read on to learn more about what yielding the right of way is, situations where it's required, and how to do it properly.
What Does Yielding the Right of Way Mean?
Yielding the right of way is the simple act of allowing other road users who have the right of way to make a move before you do. The main purpose of this concept is to ensure a smooth flow of traffic, minimize the risk of accidents, and promote order on the roads.
On the other hand, not giving the right of way on the road creates confusion, disrupts the flow of traffic, and leads to unpredictable interactions among road users. This explains why failing to yield causes so many accidents on U.S. roads today.
Situations Where Yielding the Right of Way Is Essential
The specific scenarios when road users in the United States are expected to yield the right of way vary from one state to another. That said, here are some of the most common situations where you are required to yield the right of way:
Intersections Without Signals or Signs
When approaching an intersection that doesn't have traffic signals or signs, the driver who arrives first has the right of way. If vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle to the right has the right of way. This simple act of courtesy can help reduce the risk of car accidents.
Pedestrian Crosswalks
Pedestrians in crosswalks always have a right of way except when they're crossing against a do not walk sign. Whether you're at a marked or an unmarked crosswalk, you must yield to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross. Failure to yield the right of way at pedestrian crosswalks not only poses a legal risk but also endangers the lives of the pedestrians crossing the road.
Emergency Vehicles
Yielding the right of way isn't just a legal requirement; it's also a moral obligation. When emergency vehicles like ambulances, police vehicles, or fire trucks are fast approaching with their lights flashing and sirens blaring, other drivers must yield to provide a clear path. Also, if you're approaching the same intersection as an emergency vehicle, you must let them cross through first.
This allows first responders to reach their destinations quickly and potentially save lives.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are ideally designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and promote safety at intersections. However, they aren't any effective when drivers don't follow the basic rules of yielding. When entering a roundabout, you're required to yield to vehicles already going around it to minimize the risk of collisions.
Merge Lanes and Highway On-Ramps
Merge lanes and highway on-ramps are some of the key areas where yielding is necessary to maintain a smooth traffic flow. If you're entering a new roadway or merging into a lane, you must yield to the vehicles already in traffic. This ensures a seamless flow of traffic and prevents potential collisions.
Turning Left in Front of Oncoming Traffic
When turning left across oncoming traffic, you must yield to road users approaching from the opposite direction. Doing so helps prevent collisions and maintain the safety of both the turning vehicle and oncoming traffic. Failure to yield when turning left can lead to gruesome road accidents.
In these cases, the driver who failed to yield the right of way will likely be at fault for the crash because they didn't follow the right procedures for making a left turn.
Multilane Intersections to Highway
When you're driving on a road where lanes intersect with a highway, you should yield to vehicles plying the highway. You should also bear in mind that vehicles on the highway usually move at a faster speed, so you should be careful when entering such roads.
Crossing Bicycle Lanes
When crossing or merging into a bicycle lane, drivers must yield to cyclists in the bike lane. Cyclists must also yield to pedestrians or when directed to do so by a yield sign. This helps prevent unnecessary accidents between vehicles and bicycles.
Yielding to Public Transit
All road users must yield the right of way to public transit vehicles, such as buses, if:
- The driver is signaling to reenter the traffic.
- There is a yield sign on the back of the bus.
- It’s safe to do so.
Tips for Determining the Right of Way
Here are some helpful tips to help you determine and yield the right of way:
- Always yield to vehicles already at the intersection.
- Pay attention to visual right-of-way signage, stop signs, and traffic lights.
- Ensure you eliminate all types of distractions when behind the wheel.
- Slow down and scan the road for oncoming traffic before making a turn or merging lanes.
- Always yield the right of way to pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Stay alert and anticipate potential situations where you may be required to yield.
- Stay up to date with federal and state-specific traffic laws and regulations.
Yield Right of Way to Avoid Getting Into An Accident
As a driver, it's important to monitor your surroundings constantly and look out for potential hazards while driving. By approaching intersections cautiously, observing traffic laws, signaling your intentions clearly, and staying awake behind the wheel, you can easily avoid getting involved in failure-to-yield collisions.
That said, if you or your loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a driver's failure to yield the right way, don't hesitate to reach out to a lawyer. They will help you take legal action against the at-fault driver and recover the maximum compensation for all the damages you've incurred.
