Understanding the Virginia Driver’s Manual Lesson 3 Right of Way 1 1

Right of Way Concepts Right-of-Way is not a right or privilege – it must be given! Right of Way is determined by a set of rules Drivers must understand right-of-way rules governing Intersections Merges Special conditions 2

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections Determine Who Should YIELD In The Following Situations Controlled Intersections Uncontrolled Intersections Single or two-lane roads intersecting with multiple-lane roads When turning left “T” Intersections Railroad grade crossings 3

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections Controlled Intersections A controlled intersection has signs or signals to regulate the flow of traffic Signs and/or signals determine who should yield regulate the flow of traffic and pedestrians 4

Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop Intersections An uncontrolled intersection has NO signs or signals to regulate the flow of traffic A 4-way stop has a stop sign at each corner First Car Rule Same Time Rule Vehicles approaching an intersection must yield to vehicles already in the intersection When two or more vehicles approach an intersection at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right 5

Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop Intersections In these illustrations, the Blue Car must yield the right-of-way 6

Testing Your Knowledge a b 1. If both of these vehicles arrive at this uncontrolled intersection at the same time, who must yield? a. Car a b. Car b 7

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections T-Intersections At a T-intersection, the vehicle on the side street must stop and yield right of way Traffic Circles Vehicles entering the traffic circle shall yield to vehicles already in the intersection 8

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections T-Intersections In the illustration above, the Blue Car must yield the right-of-way Traffic Circles In the illustration above, the White and Yellow Cars must yield the right-of-way 9

Testing Your Knowledge 2. Who must yield at a traffic circle (roundabout)? a. Vehicles in the circle b. Vehicles entering the circle 10

Right–of–Way Concepts: Emergency Vehicles Yield the Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicles Vehicles must yield the right-of-way to police, fire, and rescue vehicles using a siren and/or flashing lights If traffic is congested and prevents moving to the right edge of the road, adjust lane position and leave a clear path for the emergency vehicle to pass On an undivided highway, all traffic must pull over to the edge of the road and allow the emergency vehicle to pass 11

Right–of–Way Concepts: Pedestrians Yield the Right-of-Way to Pedestrians Intersections Crosswalks Making Right Turns Making Left Turns 12

Right–of–Way Concepts: School Bus Yield the Right-of-Way to School Buses All traffic must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign UNLESS the vehicles are traveling on the opposite side of a highway separated by a physical barrier or unpaved median area 13

Right–of–Way Concepts: School Bus If a School Bus is loading or unloading students on a two lane road, traffic from both directions must stop At an intersection, all traffic must stop In these illustrations, the RED cars must STOP and YIELD Right-of-Way 14

Right of Way Concepts: School Bus Vehicles traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a barrier or unpaved median do not have to stop In this illustration, the RED cars must STOP and YIELD Right-of-Way 15

Railroad Crossings Railroad crossings are specialized intersections Passing and overtaking is not permitted Virginia law requires certain vehicles (e.g., school buses, oil tankers, etc.) to stop at all railroad crossings If you follow one of these “Must STOP Vehicles”, be prepared to stop, since you cannot pass or overtake them at an intersection 16

Railroad Crossings Advance warning signs – a round, yellow sign with a black “ RR” indicates a highway-rail crossing is ahead - be prepared to stop Pavement markings – “RR” painted on the pavement - be prepared to stop Crossbuck signs are like yield signs – drivers must YIELD to trains Slow down and be prepared to stop when you see the crossbuck sign. A sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks drivers must cross 17

Railroad Crossings Flashing red lights and warning bells STOP - if you see flashing red lights or hear warning bells Gates - flashing red lights and/or bells STOP Never go around the gates, it’s against the law Flag operator - Proceed only when given the “all clear” signal Train whistle - STOP if you hear a train whistle, or see a train Cross when the gates are up, the lights and bells stop, and all tracks are clear in both directions! 18

Testing Your Knowledge 3. You must always stop for a stopped school bus with it flashing lights and stop arm unless a. You are at an intersection b. There are no children loading or unloading c. There is a median between you and the bus 19

Testing Your Knowledge 4. When you approach this sign, you should a. stop b. proceed with caution c. slow down, look and listen for trains 20

1. Testing Your Knowledge a. Car a Correct! At and UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION or 4-WAY STOP if two vehicles approach at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield 21

2. Testing Your Knowledge b. Vehicles entering the circle Correct! Vehicles entering a traffic circle must yield to vehicles already in the circle 22

3. Testing Your Knowledge c. There is a median between you and the bus Correct! You must always stop for a school bus with flashing lights and a stop arm unless there is a median between you and the bus 23

4. Testing Your Knowledge c. slow down, look and listen for trains Correct! The crossbuck should be regarded as a yield sign Drivers should slow down, listen and look for trains and be prepared to stop 24