Chapter 6: Navigating the Roads

Knowing the rules of interaction between vehicles is the foundation of a safe and orderly traffic system. Rules for yielding, turning, and passing are not suggestions; they are laws that dictate who goes first and how to maneuver safely around other road users. Mastering these procedures is essential for passing the driving test and, more importantly, for preventing the conflicts and collisions that arise from confusion or impatience.

Right-of-Way

The concept of right-of-way is a set of rules that determines who should yield and who should proceed in various traffic situations. However, the law never grants anyone the absolute right-of-way; it only states who must yield. The primary responsibility of every driver is to do whatever is necessary to avoid a collision.

• Uncontrolled Intersections: At an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.
• All-Way Stops: At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection and come to a complete stop should proceed first. If two or more vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
• Driveways and Alleys: A driver entering a public roadway from a private road, driveway, or alley must stop and yield to all approaching traffic and pedestrians.
• Merging: When merging onto a highway, the driver entering the roadway must yield to traffic already on it. Do not force another driver to slow down to let you in.
• Pedestrians: Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all intersections and crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Be especially cautious of pedestrians who are blind, who can be identified by a white cane or a guide dog; they have the absolute right-of-way.
• Emergency Vehicles: When an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) approaches using its siren and flashing lights, all drivers must immediately pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Do not block intersections.