Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Determining right-of-way can be tricky
There are few things more dangerous than a driver who simply assumes he or she has the right-of-way. Sometimes you have to yield to others.
Pedestrians always have right-of-way
Stop and yield to pedestrians who are preparing to cross at marked or unmarked crosswalks, unless they are on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a median. Drivers must even yield to pedestrians who are crossing illegally. And always watch carefully for children.
Dealing with four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections
Give the right-of-way to the first vehicle arriving at a four-way stop. If you both
arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right. When it’s your turn
to go, roll forward slowly to clearly signal your intention to proceed.
When approaching an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and prepare to yield. The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right, but both drivers need to be extremely careful.
Yield signs mean slow down
A yield sign tells you to slow down as you near an intersection. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians or traffic.
Emergency vehicles have priority
Give the right-of-way to any ambulance, police or fire vehicle that has its lights flashing and alarm sounding. Pull over immediately.
Entering from driveways and private roads
When entering a roadway from a driveway or private road, you must stop and give right-of-way to all users of the road.
Turn left with caution
When you’re turning left at an intersection, you need to give the right-of-way to any oncoming traffic.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, and check out the following on our website:- Emergency Vehicles in Driving Tips
- Stop Signs and Four-Way Stops in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Stop Signs directly.
