Right of Way

Did you know that intersections are the most dangerous places in traffic? More crashes happen each year in the residential areas at intersections than on freeways. Now let's talk about one of the most difficult topics in driving: Right of Way.

When vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians meet one another in traffic, one of them must yield the right of way. The law specifies in each situation what a motorist should do. Remember: There is no ambiguity in the law! Everything is written out clearly in the WI DOT Motorist's Handbook. If you disobey these rules, you're not only driving aggressively, you're breaking the law. The law says who must yield the right of way. It does not give anyone the right-of-way. You should do everything you can to keep from hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle.

2 Important Types of Intersections to Remember

Uncontrolled Intersection : At an intersection where there are no signs or traffic lights, you must yield to vehicles coming from the right. Have you ever seen those types of intersections? Sure, you have. They are usually in the residential areas where the traffic is not heavy. This fact makes the uncontrolled intersections even more dangerous! Because most people do not regard them as dangerous. But suddenly a bicycle or a car can appear from nowhere. You should slow down and check left-right as you approach an uncontrolled intersection. If there is nobody, then go. If someone is coming from the right, then you must stop and yield the right of way.

4-Way Stop: At a four-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first goes first (after coming to a complete stop.) If more than one vehicle arrives at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.