Whether traveling on I-10, I-45, or a neighborhood road, you need to know how to yield the right of way. This action is not just about having good driving skills; it is also an important step in preventing accidents on the road.
In Houston, maneuvering traffic can be a challenge, and at Barrera Law Group LLC, we have seen the results of failing to yield.
However, by knowing the basics of yielding to the right of way and applying these principles in real-life situations, you can prevent a car crash or other incident on the streets of Bayou City.
What Does Yield the Right of Way Mean?
When you “yield the right of way,” you allow another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist to go ahead of you in a traffic situation. This concept helps maintain safety on the roads, prevent collisions, and ensure a smooth traffic flow.
Houston is the largest city in Texas and one of the most populous in the United States. With the city’s extensive network of highways, intersections, and pedestrian crossings, you will want to understand the purpose of yielding the right of way.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, failing to yield contributed to over 7% of all fatalities in the United States in 2021. Following these principles is not just about courtesy; it can actually save lives.
Rules Governing Yielding the Right of Way
The principles of yielding the right of way are consistent nationwide. When you come across a situation in Houston, here is the proper way to respond to these scenarios:
- Intersections with stop signs: At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right can proceed first. Keep in mind that you must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and to any traffic on the main road when coming from a side street.
- Intersections with yield signs: If you are approaching a yield sign, you need to slow down and prepare to stop. You need to give way to any traffic on the main road and pedestrians in crosswalks. Always be extra cautious and patient at those busy intersections, especially during peak hours.
- Uncontrolled intersections: At intersections without signs or signals, you have to yield to vehicles already in the intersection and to those driving on the right. In residential areas, there are more uncontrolled intersections, and you will want to remain cautious in these areas.
- Pedestrian crosswalks: All vehicles must yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. With many cities’ emphasis on walkability, every driver needs to be vigilant for pedestrians, especially in downtown areas and near schools.
- Emergency vehicles: When an emergency vehicle with sirens and flashing lights approaches, all other vehicles must yield the right of way. That means you should pull over to the right side of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed.
- Left turns: When making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing the street.
- Merging and lane changes: When merging onto a highway, you must yield to the traffic already on the road. You must also yield to vehicles when changing lanes.
Legal Implications of Failing to Yield the Right of Way
According to 2022 data from the Texas Department of Transportation, 1,030 people were killed in crashes occurring in intersections, which are the most common places to yield the right of way. Failing to yield the right of way impacts your driving record and the safety of others on the road.
When a driver fails to yield, it can result in accidents that cause property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. Along with that, there could be fines and points added to the driver’s license, which can result in license suspension and increased insurance rates.
However, the legal repercussions can extend beyond just receiving a traffic ticket. At-fault drivers who fail to yield may face civil lawsuits for damages caused by their negligence. With that, the driver can even be responsible for covering the costs of property damage, medical expenses, and other losses incurred by individuals like you who have been seriously injured in a Houston car accident.
Remember, yielding the right of way is not just about following the law; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone sharing the road in Houston. If you have been injured by a driver who did not follow the right-of-way principles, you may be able to pursue a legal claim. Talking to a Houston car accident lawyer can help you discover your legal options in these situations.