One of the most common places for an automotive crash to occur is at an intersection. In New Jersey, the person responsible for causing the vehicular collision is liable for the victim’s injuries. New Jersey is a “comparative negligence” State, therefore fault will be distributed to both drivers based on the amount their actions contributed to the accident. While all drivers have a duty to obey traffic rules to avoid foreseeable harm to others, often they may be confused as to who has the right of way. Since yielding the right of way doesn’t only happen at yield signs, it is imperative to understand the New Jersey laws governing the right of way to protect yourself on the roadway. At Moon & Associates, we believe that some car accidents can be avoided by familiarizing yourself with yielding the right of way laws in your state.
What Does Yielding the Right of Way Mean?
Yielding the right of way means allowing other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to proceed through intersections or pass on the road before you do. While the right of way is clear at intersections controlled by signs and signals, it may become murky at uncontrolled intersections and highways. As a general rule, vehicles in the flow of traffic, such as those travelling straight, have the right of way over vehicles that are turning. Vehicles must always yield to pedestrians in or outside of marked crosswalks, as well as emergency vehicles. Since yielding the right of way is enforced by traffic laws, it is critical to familiarize yourself with them to reduce accidents and traffic congestion.
When Should You Yield the Right of Way?
Here are some of the rules governing Right of Way although not an exhaustive list:
- When making left turns, a driver must yield to oncoming vehicles traveling straight and those approaching from the opposite direction.
- When approaching a stop/yield sign, a driver must slow to yield to the intersecting road’s traffic.
- When entering a traffic circle, driveway, alley or roadside, drivers must yield to vehicles already established on the roadway.
- When merging onto a highway or freeway, drivers must yield to vehicles already established on the highway.
- When making turns at intersections or crossing a street, a driver must yield to a motorist or pedestrian at the intersection.
- When approaching a four way stop sign, the vehicle furthest to the right has the right of way. The car furthest to the left must yield to other vehicles arriving simultaneously to the intersection.
- When encountering pedestrians or bicyclists on the road, you must stop and stay stopped while they are crossing the roadway whether or not they are within a marked crosswalk.
- When emergency vehicles are approaching, you must pull over to the right side of the road.
- When school buses stop for passengers, you must stop and only begin moving after they have recommenced travel.
Why Is Yielding the Right of Way Important?
Yielding the right of way is crucial for promoting road safety and mitigating accidents. Drivers who disregard the rule of yielding can cause harm to themselves and other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If you are in a situation where another driver fails to yield the right of way when they have the duty to do so, it may be wise to practice safety and let the other car go first simply to avoid an accident. Avoiding traffic accidents should be every driver’s first priority.
Who Has the Right of Way?
Traffic laws don’t necessarily grant a right of way, rather they define when yielding the right of way is required. In most cases, the vehicle that arrives at an intersection first has the right of way. If two drivers arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right has the right of way. Pedestrians who are crossing the street on a marked crosswalk have the right of way over vehicles. Cyclists are also given the right of way when riding on a shared lane or crossing the road on a marked bike lane.
Tips for Ensuring Safe Yielding
To ensure the safety of yourself and those around you while commuting, it is essential to practice the following tips:
- Always pay attention to traffic signs and signals
- Slow down when approaching intersections or merging onto highways
- Yield to emergency vehicles
- Always yield to pedestrians and bicyclists
- Always signal your intention to other drivers to avoid confusion
If You Are Involved in a Traffic Accident, Contact an Experienced Attorney in New Jersey Today!
Yielding the right of way is an essential aspect of road safety. Understanding the concept and practicing safe yielding habits can help reduce accidents and promote a safer driving environment. To avoid liability, it’s important to understand road rules and practice safe driving habits. Help make the roads safer for everyone by yielding the right of way. If you have any more questions about traffic rules, or if you are involved in a traffic accident, don’t hesitate to contact Moon & Associates today at (201) 272-1077.