Chapter 6: Navigating the Roads

Knowing how to navigate the road is about more than just getting from one place to another; it’s about interacting safely and predictably with every other road user. The rules of right-of-way, turning, and passing form the core of traffic law, preventing chaos and collisions at intersections, on highways, and in neighborhoods. Mastering these procedures is a primary focus of the driving skills test and is the key to becoming a confident, defensive driver.

Right-of-Way

Right-of-way is the legal principle that determines who has the right to proceed first in a traffic situation. It is a rule of yielding; right-of-way is something you give, not something you take. The primary goal is to prevent conflicts and ensure traffic moves smoothly and safely.

• Uncontrolled Intersections: At an intersection with no signs or signals, the first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield to the driver of the vehicle on the right.
• All-Way Stops: At intersections where all directions have a stop sign, the first vehicle to stop is the first to go. If two or more vehicles stop simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
• Driveways and Private Roads: When entering a public street from a private road or driveway, you must stop and yield the right-of-way to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians on the main road.
• Merging: When merging onto a highway from an on-ramp, you must yield to traffic already on the highway. It is your responsibility to find a safe gap and adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic.
• Pedestrians: Drivers must always yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at an intersection. You must also yield to blind pedestrians using a white cane or a guide dog.
• Emergency Vehicles: When you see the flashing lights or hear the siren of an approaching emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance), you must immediately pull over to the right-hand edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. On a four-lane highway with a median, you do not have to stop if the vehicle is on the opposite side of the road.

Common Mistake:
Many drivers at an all-way stop become hesitant, leading to a “you go, no you go” situation. The rule is simple: if you arrive at the same time as another car, the car on the right has the right-of-way. Following this rule consistently prevents confusion.