Driving laws are in place to help those on the road and pedestrians to coexist and to safely navigate the roadways. In spite of clearly defined laws however people still disobey them. Anyone on the road must understand how driving laws work, and adhere to them in order to be on the right side of the law and to keep themselves and others safe. If they are speeding for instance which is against the law they will risk fines or worse punishment and possible need speeding ticket lawyers.

Traffic laws contain many concepts that require some researching to understand, but having a detailed understanding of these concepts is critical or you might need the assistance of good traffic ticket lawyers. Things like driving on the right side of the road, when to obey which types of instructions and when to not all are related to having a deep knowledge of how traffic laws are intended to work. Another concept that must be understood in order to perform properly on the road is the right of way.

 

Giving someone the right of way, allows them to go before you in the traffic situation. The right of way law is a misnomer because the law actually discusses only when one must yield the right of way to another vehicle or pedestrian. It can be utilized and expected when someone must yield the right of way to you. If someone fails to yield the right of way, they are in legal violation no matter where in the United States they are because it will almost always lead to a vehicle collision.

In terms of the times when the right of way must be yielded, here are the most common examples:

  • When you are in an automobile and turning left. You must yield to oncoming pedestrians, cars, etc. in this scenario.
  • At a yield sign.
  • When two vehicles meet on a narrow mountain road the driver going downhill is always given the right of way.
  • When any person is walking with the aid of a seeing sys dog.
  • At intersections with no traffic lights, where vehicles are already in the intersection.
  • At all “T” intersections where traffic must yield to vehicles on the through road;
  • When you are driving on an unpaved road at an intersection connecting to a paved road.
  • To any person who is vision impaired and using a walking cane.
  • When entering the road in a car that was parked.
  • When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk.

Who has to yield the right of way?

Each driver of a motorized vehicle and bicycle has an obligation to do everything possible to avoid an accident no matter if they have the right of way. This entails slowing down or stopping even if you the other person is obligated to yield the right of way to you.

There is an often stated line that says the driver to the right has the right of way, but this line is often misunderstood. The driver to the right should be given the right of way only if two cars arrive at an intersection at the same time. Or if there is no clarity about who did. If a vehicle on the left arrives in the intersection first, it should be given the right of way over the driver to the right.

One of the things to note with right of way is that it should be used based on common sense and in the context of the driving situation. If one vehicle is in an emergency, this may take precedence over right of way, so drivers should pay attention to the situation where right of way becomes an issue.

If you find yourself in an accident because of a right of way violation and you are in San Francisco, you might need a reputable attorney to represent you. If you are looking for a speeding ticket lawyer San Francisco has several reputable ones who can give you the best defense in your legal case.