Lesson 3

Right of Way

Lesson 3

Right of Way

Understanding the Virginia Driver’s Manual

Understanding the Virginia Driver’s Manual

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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

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

Right of Way ConceptsRight of Way Concepts

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Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections

We will Determine Who Should Yield In The Following Situations

We will 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

Controlled Intersections

Uncontrolled Intersections

Single or two-lane roads

intersecting with multiple-lane roads

When turning left

“T” Intersections

Railroad grade crossings

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Controlled Intersections

A controlled intersection has signs or signals to regulate the flow of traffic

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

Signs and/or signals

determine who should yield

regulate the flow of traffic and pedestrians

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections

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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

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

Vehicles approaching an intersection must yield to vehicles already in the intersection

Vehicles approaching an intersection must yield to vehicles already in the intersection

Same Time RuleSame Time RuleFirst Car RuleFirst Car Rule

An uncontrolled intersectionAn uncontrolled intersection has NO signs orNO signs or signalssignals to regulate the flow of traffic

A 4-way stop has a stop sign at each corner

An uncontrolled intersectionAn uncontrolled intersection has NO signs orNO signs or signalssignals to regulate the flow of traffic

A 4-way stop has a stop sign at each corner

Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop Intersections

Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop Intersections

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In these illustrations, the Blue Car must yield the right-of-way.

In these illustrations, the Blue Car must yield the right-of-way.

Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop Intersections

Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop Intersections

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If both of these vehicles arrive at this uncontrolled intersection at the same time, who must yield?

a. Car A

b. Car B

If both of these vehicles arrive at this uncontrolled intersection at the same time, who must yield?

a. Car A

b. Car B

Testing Your KnowledgeTesting Your Knowledge

A

B

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At and UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION or 4-WAY STOP if two vehicles approach at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield

At and UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION or 4-WAY STOP if two vehicles approach at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield

a. Car aa. Car a

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Correct!Correct!

Testing Your KnowledgeTesting Your Knowledge

Vehicles entering the traffic circle shall yield to vehicles already in the intersection

Vehicles entering the traffic circle shall yield to vehicles already in the intersection

At a T-intersection, the vehicle on the side street must stop and yield right of way

At a T-intersection, the vehicle on the side street must stop and yield right of way

Traffic CirclesTraffic Circles

T-IntersectionsT-Intersections

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections

Right–of–Way Concepts: Intersections

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Who must yield in these two scenarios?

Who must yield at a trafficcircle (roundabout)?

a. Vehicles in the circle

b. Vehicles entering the circle

Who must yield at a trafficcircle (roundabout)?

a. Vehicles in the circle

b. Vehicles entering the circle

Testing Your KnowledgeTesting Your Knowledge

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Vehicles entering a traffic circle must yield to vehicles already in the circleVehicles entering a traffic circle must yield to vehicles already in the circle

b. Vehicles entering the circleb. Vehicles entering the circle

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Correct!Correct!

Testing Your KnowledgeTesting Your Knowledge

• With a partner:

• Discuss the laws of Discuss the laws of yielding to emergency yielding to emergency vehicles and school vehicles and school buses.buses.

• With a partner:

• Discuss the laws of Discuss the laws of yielding to emergency yielding to emergency vehicles and school vehicles and school buses.buses.

Right–of–Way Concepts: Emergency Vehicles

Right–of–Way Concepts: Emergency Vehicles

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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.

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.

Vehicles must yield the right-of-way to police, fire, and rescue vehicles using a siren and/or flashing lights

Vehicles must yield the right-of-way to police, fire, and rescue vehicles using a siren and/or flashing lights

Yield the Right-of-Way to Emergency VehiclesYield the Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicles

Right–of–Way Concepts: Emergency Vehicles

Right–of–Way Concepts: Emergency Vehicles

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Intersections

Crosswalks

Making Right Turns

Making Left Turns

Intersections

Crosswalks

Making Right Turns

Making Left Turns

Yield the Right-of-Way to PedestriansYield the Right-of-Way to Pedestrians

Right–of–Way Concepts: Pedestrians

Right–of–Way Concepts: Pedestrians

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All traffic must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign

UNLESS

the school bus is traveling on the opposite side of a highway separated by a physical barrier or unpaved median area.

All traffic must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign

UNLESS

the school bus is traveling on the opposite side of a highway separated by a physical barrier or unpaved median area.

Right–of–Way Concepts: School Bus Right–of–Way Concepts: School Bus

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Yield the Right-of-Way to School BusesYield the Right-of-Way to School Buses

In these illustrations, the RED cars must STOP and YIELD Right-of-Way

In these illustrations, the RED cars must STOP and YIELD Right-of-Way

At an intersection, all traffic must stopAt an intersection, all traffic must stop

If a School Bus is loading or unloading students on a two lane road, traffic from both directions must stopIf a School Bus is loading or unloading students on a two lane road, traffic from both directions must stop

Right–of–Way Concepts: School Bus Right–of–Way Concepts: School Bus

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Vehicles traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a barrier or unpaved median do not have to stop

Vehicles traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a barrier or unpaved median do not have to stop

Right of Way Concepts: School Bus

Right of Way Concepts: School Bus

In this illustration, the RED cars must STOP and YIELD Right-of-WayIn this illustration, the RED cars must STOP and YIELD Right-of-Way

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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

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

Passing and overtaking is not permittedPassing and overtaking is not permitted

Railroad crossings are specialized intersectionsRailroad crossings are specialized intersections

Railroad CrossingsRailroad Crossings

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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

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

Railroad CrossingsRailroad Crossings

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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

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!

Cross when the gates are up, the lights and bells stop, and all tracks are clear in both directions!

Railroad CrossingsRailroad Crossings

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Railroad CrossingsRailroad Crossings

Most Train/Vehicle Crashes Result from Driver Error

T – 1.18

A train going 50 mph takes 1.5 miles to stop (on average).

A car going 55 mph takes about 200 feet to stop.

REMEMBER: A train cannot swerve or stop quickly to avoid a crash.

Topic 3 Lesson 2

Trains do not and cannot stop at crossings — — Consequently, the vehicle driver is responsible for avoiding the collision.

Remember:

• Don’t drive onto the tracks unless you have enough room on the other side.

• Don’t change gears while crossing.

• Be extra careful at night and in low visibility conditions.

• If the gate starts lowering as you are crossing, keep going, don’t stop and don’t back up.

• Don’t pass other vehicles at the crossing.

This is what could happen if you cross paths with a train.

Car vs. Train...Car Always Loses

This is what could happen if you cross paths with a train.

Car vs. Train...Car Always Loses

Cross when the gates are up, the lights and bells stop, and all tracks are clear in both directions!

Cross when the gates are up, the lights and bells stop, and all tracks are clear in both directions!

Railroad CrossingsRailroad Crossings

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a. You are at an intersection

b. There are no children loading or unloading

c. There is a median between you and the bus

a. You are at an intersection

b. There are no children loading or unloading

c. There is a median between you and the bus

Testing Your KnowledgeTesting Your Knowledge

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You must always stop for a stopped school bus with it flashing lights and stop arm unless

You must always stop for a stopped school bus with it flashing lights and stop arm unless

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

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

c. There is a median between you and the bus

c. There is a median between you and the bus

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Correct!Correct!

Testing Your KnowledgeTesting Your Knowledge

a. stop

b. proceed with caution

c. slow down, look and listen for trains

a. stop

b. proceed with caution

c. slow down, look and listen for trains

Testing Your KnowledgeTesting Your Knowledge

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When you approach this sign, you shouldWhen you approach this sign, you should

The crossbuck should be regarded as a yield sign

Drivers should slow down, listen and look for trains and be prepared to stop

The crossbuck should be regarded as a yield sign

Drivers should slow down, listen and look for trains and be prepared to stop

c. slow down, look and listen for trainsc. slow down, look and listen for trains

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Correct!Correct!

Testing Your KnowledgeTesting Your Knowledge

A speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal conditions

Basic Speed Limits

• School, Business or Residential Zones 25 MPH

• Rural Expressway (Interstates) 70 MPH

• Rustic Roadways 35 MPH

• All other roadways 55 MPH

UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED

A speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal conditions

Basic Speed Limits

• School, Business or Residential Zones 25 MPH

• Rural Expressway (Interstates) 70 MPH

• Rustic Roadways 35 MPH

• All other roadways 55 MPH

UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED

Speed LimitsSpeed Limits

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The 2010 Virginia General Assembly raised the maximum allowable speed limit in Virginia to 70 MPH.

These 70 MPH speed zones will only apply to roadways specifically designated by VDOT.

Driving above 80 MPH will still constitute reckless driving.

The 2010 Virginia General Assembly raised the maximum allowable speed limit in Virginia to 70 MPH.

These 70 MPH speed zones will only apply to roadways specifically designated by VDOT.

Driving above 80 MPH will still constitute reckless driving.

Speed LimitsSpeed Limits

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