Derecho de Paso

Right of Way

In driving, the right-of-way isn’t granted to anyone by law; instead, it specifies who must yield. All road users should act to prevent accidents. Yielding means allowing another to proceed first in a traffic situation, like at a stop sign.

Drivers should be familiar with their regular routes and not be swayed by others when making driving decisions. Knowing which areas are prone to accidents can help avoid them. Right-of-way considerations should influence travel plans, and drivers should rely on their judgment regarding their route and environment.

One should never insist on having the right-of-way. Assuming other drivers’ actions can be dangerous, and forcing one’s way into traffic is ill-advised. Anticipating others’ actions and yielding when necessary can prevent collisions. Making eye contact with other drivers can also help in safely navigating conflicts on the road. It’s important to be courteous and mindful of others while driving.

Intersections require heightened caution due to the increased risk of collisions from various directions and actions.

At Intersections:

• Approach with caution, especially if the intersection is blind or visibility is compromised.
• Yield the right-of-way if it’s unsafe to proceed.
• If arriving simultaneously with another vehicle, the one on the continuing highway has the right-of-way.

Making Turns:

• Make left turns from the leftmost lane, ensuring clear visibility and safety.
• Don’t pre-turn the steering wheel to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic in case of a rear-end collision.
• Right turns should be made into the rightmost lane or closest to the curb.

Simultaneous Turns:

• Exercise extra caution and yield as necessary, typically to the vehicle on your right.

Malfunctioning Traffic Signals:

• Treat as a four-way stop, proceeding in the order of arrival and yielding to the driver on the right.

Always prioritize safety over insisting on the right-of-way to prevent accidents.