Chapter 6: Navigating the Roads

Knowing the rules for interacting with other vehicles is the essence of safe driving. These rules, centered on right-of-way, turning, and passing, create a predictable traffic environment that prevents collisions. Mastering how to navigate intersections, merge onto highways, and safely overtake other cars is not just a requirement for the driving test; it is a daily responsibility that ensures you and those around you get to your destinations safely.

Proper navigation is a dynamic skill that involves applying specific rules to constantly changing traffic situations. Alaska’s laws provide a clear framework for who goes first, how to maneuver safely, and when certain actions, like passing, are prohibited.

Right-of-Way

The concept of right-of-way is about determining who has the legal right to proceed first. However, it is crucial to remember that right-of-way is something a driver gives, not something a driver takes. A driver should never assume another driver will yield.

• Uncontrolled Intersections: At an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield to the driver of the vehicle on the right if they approach at approximately the same time. A driver must always slow down and be prepared to stop at an uncontrolled intersection.
• All-Way Stops: At an intersection where all directions have a stop sign, the first vehicle to arrive and stop at the intersection has the right-of-way. If two or more vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
• Entering a Roadway: A driver entering a street or highway from a driveway, alley, or private road must stop and yield the right-of-way to all approaching traffic and pedestrians.
• Merging: When merging onto a highway from an on-ramp or acceleration lane, the driver must yield to traffic already on the main roadway.
• Pedestrians: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. When a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross, it is illegal for another driver to pass the stopped vehicle.
• Emergency Vehicles: Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) using its lights and/or siren, all drivers must yield the right-of-way. A driver must immediately pull over to the right-hand edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop. The driver must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. For stationary emergency vehicles on the roadside, drivers must slow to a reasonable speed and, if safe, move over to a lane not adjacent to the emergency vehicle.

Common Mistake:
Assuming you have the right-of-way at an intersection. Even if the rules state another driver should yield to you, they may not. Always approach intersections defensively, cover your brake, and make sure the other driver is actually stopping before you proceed.