When no signs, signals, or police tell you what to do at an intersection, the law states:
Answers
That drivers on the right must yield to drivers on the left.
Nothing. There are no laws stating who must yield.
That drivers going straight must yield to drivers turning left at the intersection.
That drivers turning left must yield to drivers going straight through the intersection.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: That drivers turning left must yield to drivers going straight through the intersection.
Explanation:
When approaching an intersection without any traffic signs, signals, or police directing traffic, the general rule of the road is that vehicles going straight have the right of way over those turning. This rule is based on the principle that it is safer for vehicles traveling in a straight path to continue without interruption, as turning vehicles need to cross lanes or paths of oncoming traffic.
Why Drivers Turning Left Must Yield:
In most places, the law states that any driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic that is going straight through the intersection. This is because left turns require drivers to cross lanes where traffic is already moving in the opposite direction. Yielding to straight-moving traffic minimizes the risk of collisions and helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic. Drivers turning left must also ensure there is sufficient space and time to complete the turn without obstructing or endangering oncoming vehicles.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- “That drivers on the right must yield to drivers on the left” is not accurate in the context of an intersection without traffic control. The rule about yielding to the right only applies in certain situations, like at uncontrolled intersections involving non-traditional roadways or when merging.
- “Nothing. There are no laws stating who must yield” is false. There are well-established right-of-way laws that apply at intersections without signals or signs, primarily focusing on the direction of travel and the type of maneuver (e.g., left turn versus going straight).
- “That drivers going straight must yield to drivers turning left at the intersection” is incorrect, as it goes against standard traffic rules that prioritize straight-moving traffic over turning vehicles.
Understanding these rules helps prevent accidents and ensures traffic moves safely and efficiently.