Even drivers who have had licenses for years can come to a situation on the road where they wonder, which way do I go? This is because there are rules in place to govern the road and are important to protect others we share the road with which includes other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Failing to follow these rules can lead to accidents and injuries and the party not complying may bear responsibility for negligent driving behavior. If you’ve been in an accident and the other party failed to follow the rules below, you need to contact Accident Law Group so we can protect your rights and get you compensated for your losses.
Intersections
There are specific rules for different types of intersection in Arizona as follows:
Controlled Intersections
These intersections are governed by a traffic light, stop sign or yield sign to “control” traffic through the intersection. While the rules here should be clear, if you are approaching a traffic light, proceed at the speed limit through the intersection should the light be green but be prepared to slow if yellow and stop when it turns red. For stop signs, it is important to come to a full stop and for yield signs, slow down as you approach and do no proceed until traffic is clear as you do not have the right-of-way. In all cases, make sure the intersection is clear before entering and drive defensively.
Uncontrolled Intersections
As you might expect there is no signage or traffic light governing these intersections or if there is a light it may be out of operation. In this case, all motorists need to approach the intersection as if there was a stop sign at each entrance, come to a complete stop and proceed only when clear. If vehicle have common arrivals, the vehicle to the right gets to go first and the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way.
T-Intersections
This is an intersection that looks like a “T” with one road meets and ends at another. The driver on the base of the “T” does not have the right-of-way and must yield to traffic on the top of the “T”.
When Entering a Highway
Vehicles on the ramp coming on to the highway must yield to traffic already on the highway.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians always have the right-of-way over vehicles whether they are in marked crosswalks or not and this includes pedestrians that remain in the street when the road traffic light in a controlled intersection changes from “red” to “green”. Also, never pass another if a vehicle as stopped to permit pedestrians to cross and always stop at school zone crossings if pedestrians are present.
Alleys and Driveways
If you are in a vehicle, you do not have the right-of-way and must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and cars on the road you are entering.
Left Turn
If you are making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming vehicles.
U-Turn
Only when not restricted and like Left Turns, yield to oncoming vehicles..
Emergency Vehicles
Police, Ambulance, Fire Trucks or any other emergency vehicles have the right-of-way when their emergency lights and/or sirens are engaged.
Roundabout
Vehicles in the roundabout must maintain a safe speed and have the right-of-way and are not permitted to stop to allow entering vehicles onto the roundabout, the entering vehicle must yield to incumbent traffic. Cyclists and pedestrians always have the right-of-way, including in roundabouts.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and injured, you have our deepest concern and sympathy. Contact us at Accident Law Group to get a complete assessment of your case. We built our firm to help you build fight and win your case and make sure the rights you have under the law are protected.
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