Contact California Injury Attorneys for your free legal consultation in California.
Right-of-way rules are essential to traffic safety. These rules dictate who has the legal right to proceed first in various driving scenarios. A fixed system ensures order on the road and maintains the flow of traffic. Common sense and common courtesy play huge roles, as well. These factors combined set the base for good driving habits. A successful driver will respect the right-of-way of others. Especially that of bicycle riders, motorcycles, and pedestrians. However, not everyone on the road has their fellow motorists’ safety in mind. If you find yourself the victim of a driver that has refused to adhere to the right-of-way rules, California Injury Attorneys can offer you a free legal consultation in California to discuss your options.
Pedestrians
According to the California Driver Handbook, “in California, pedestrian deaths occur in approximately 22% of all traffic fatalities.” Motorists must be especially careful in areas where pedestrians are present. In any situation, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Always stop for pedestrians.
However, this does not mean that pedestrians do not also have duties on the road. California law states that, “No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.” We suggest you get a free legal consultation in California if a pedestrian causes you an accident or injury.
Crosswalks and Intersections
A crosswalk is a section of the road designated for pedestrian traffic, usually to cross an intersection in the road. Not every crosswalk will have painted lines to designate it as such. Therefore, it is important for drivers to always approach crosswalks with the utmost caution. Once again, in any situation where pedestrians are present, the pedestrian usually has the right-of-way. CVC §21950 states “the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
An intersection is where two roads traveling in different directions meet. This can be anything from a cross street or alleyway to a freeway entrance. Navigating an intersection can be one of the most difficult aspects of driving on public roads. According to the Federal Highway Administration, intersection collisions account for more than 45% of all reported crashes and 21% of fatalities. When you approach an intersection, keep these things in mind:
- Reduce your speed and be ready to stop if necessary as you approach an intersection without a ‘Stop’ or ‘Yield’ sign present.
- Always come to a complete stop when approaching a ‘Stop’ sign. Look for approaching traffic before continuing through.
- Yield right-of-way to motorists and pedestrians that are already in an intersection or have reached the intersection before you.
- For left turns, look out for pedestrians and cyclists. Then, yield the right-of-way as necessary to avoid a collision with approaching cars.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts can be an extremely confusing driving scenario; especially where right-of-way is concerned. A roundabout is a type of intersection in which traffic flows in a counter-clockwise direction around a central island. All traffic shares the road in a roundabout. So, it’s extremely important to pay close attention to other motorists and your blind spots when entering and exiting a roundabout. As you enter and exit the roundabout, you must yield the right-of-way to any vehicles or cyclists already making the round, as well as any pedestrians. In order to safely navigate a roundabout, you must:
- Reduce your speed as you approach
- Look for any signs or markings that mention prohibited actions
- Follow the flow of traffic in the counter-clockwise direction
- Do not stop or attempt to pass in a roundabout
- Use your turn signals to communicate your intentions to other drivers when you want to exit
If you miss the exit you needed, you will need to complete the circle again in order to reach you proper exit. While vehicles already in the roundabout have the right-of-way, always use your best judgment and stay aware of other cars as they enter. Some other drivers may not enter the round properly, so it may be up to you to prevent a collision.
Get a Free Legal Consultation in California
Right-of-way rules help keep drivers safe on the road. However, not every motorist adheres to the established rules of the road. If you find yourself the victim of an accident caused by another driver ignoring the right-of-way rules, contact California Injury Attorneys for your free legal consultation in California. Our team of passionate, dedicated lawyers will stop at nothing to pursue the settlement you deserve. We offer free counsel, so there’s no risk involved. We don’t even collect fees until we’ve won your case. Our office is open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. But, if you have legal concerns that can’t wait, we answer calls at any time of the day or night, 24/7. We also offer a Live Chat on our website that’s available anytime for your convenience. Don’t wait! Contact us today!