Navigating Uncontrolled Intersections: Guidelines for Safe Driving

Learning how to drive takes knowledge to do so safely based on the test and information provided concerning driving. However, nothing tests a good driver like going through an uncontrolled intersection. This article will discuss uncontrolled intersections, the right of way, how to approach them, and liability for uncontrolled intersection accidents.

To answer the question of what is an uncontrolled intersection, driversed.com define it as an intersection that does not “have traffic control signs or signals. When drivers approach this intersection, they must obey right-of-way rules.” For many city dwellers, uncontrolled intersections are not common, as there are often numerous controlled intersections with traffic control signs or signals. However, uncontrolled intersections are very common in residential areas and rural areas.

How Does the Right-of-Way Rule Work at Uncontrolled Intersections?

An intersection is where two or more roadways cross, and as a result, it brings traffic going in opposite streams together. As such, the right-of-way laws come into play to determine which vehicles have met at the intersection goes first. Now that you know what is an uncontrolled intersection, it is of the utmost importance to follow the rules set out below when approaching an uncontrolled intersection to avoid accidents:

1. Be cautious – while caution may mean paying attention to your surroundings, it also means reducing your speed. Therefore, you need to slow down when approaching the intersection.
2. Cross-traffic – if another vehicle is trying to cross through the intersection, allow it to do so and stay in your position.
3. Rule of thumb: look left and right at the intersection, ensure that no speeding vehicles are headed your way and that it is safe to proceed.

Important Guidelines to Note

1. The car that gets to the intersection first has the right of way.
2. When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at about the same time, the car on the right has the right to pass before the vehicle on the left.
3. If you want to turn left at the intersection, yield to oncoming traffic whether or not you were first at the intersection.

When traveling on a single or two-lane road that meets a wider roadway with three or more lanes, the rule is to yield to all traffic on the wider highway before entering the intersection. The reasoning is that the wider roadway is likely busier and thus more hazardous, making it harder for motorists to yield right-of-way on that road.

Only after adhering to the above can you proceed through the intersection. It is important to note and remember that the law of the right of way does not have to be used at all times, especially if doing so can potentially create a dangerous situation. In some instances, it may be necessary for you to yield to avoid an accident from happening.

Unfortunately, accidents occur at uncontrolled intersections despite drivers’ best efforts to follow the right-of-way rule. Determining liability in such cases is dependent upon the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Conclusion

Navigating uncontrolled intersections requires drivers to exercise caution, yield to cross traffic, and follow right-of-way rules. While accidents can occur despite best efforts, understanding these guidelines can help promote safer driving in such intersections. Visit www.crowsonlaw.com to know more about this!