Giving the Other Your Car Driver the Right of Way

Traffic safety can be promoted by following the Right of way and being courteous to other drivers. Sometimes your path will intersect with that of another individual. It is polite to let them pass through instead of quarrelling over it. Such interactions may cause conflict between two people, which must be avoided, so that everyone can go about their daily lives peacefully.

The principal which is used to determine who has the right to pass first is known as The Right of Way. This article will be highlighting when you should yield The Right of Way for Emergency Vehicles, School Buses and Pedestrians.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency Vehicles like, police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, etc. should be given the right of way. If you are driving on a clear road, or it is possible for you to pull over along the side and stop, then do so and let these vehicles pass through. Try to leave a clear path, if possible, or make way for them to pass leaving a distance of at least 500 feet between your motor vehicle and the emergency vehicle.

Try not to park on the same street where a fire truck is answering an alarm. Try to avoid the place of emergency, and park farther away from that location. Also, if possible, switch the lane if the emergency vehicle is behind you, allowing them to pass by you without fail.

School Buses

Right of way is given to school buses; try not to overtake or pass the school bus, especially if it is giving an indication of turning left or right. Do not drive too close to a school bus and make sure to take extreme caution while driving.

Drivers are allowed to pass the bus if

• The bus was previously stationary and has started moving again,
• The driver has given a signal, allowing you to proceed, or
• The bus was previously flashing red lights, which have been turned off.

If the school bus in on a different road, then there is no need to stop. If you do not follow the restrictions placed upon you while driving close to a school bus, then you are liable to pay a penalty. The amount of penalty can range from $200 – $10,000 depending on the severity of your offence.

Pedestrians

Whether or not a walking pedestrian has a right of way, you should always remain on the lookout for people walking across the main streets. Make sure to look at specific places like, an uncontrolled intersection; i.e. a place without any traffic signal. Also if the walk sign is switched green and turns red while the pedestrian is walking across the road, make sure to give him or her time to cross easily.

Following these rules will greatly help in preventing unnecessary accidents from occurring. Remember that you can receive a penalty for that which can tarnish a good driving record, so pay attention while driving.

As it is rightly said, “Better safe than sorry.” So stay safe.