What does the term ‘right-of-way’ refer to?

The term ‘right-of-way’ refers to the legal right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in front of another. This concept is crucial for the safe and efficient flow of traffic. It establishes who has priority in various driving scenarios, ensuring that drivers or pedestrians can make their movements safely without confusion or conflict with others.

Understanding right-of-way rules is essential for preventing accidents and maintaining order on the roads. For example, at intersections, certain vehicles may have the right to proceed first, while others must yield. This principle can also apply to pedestrians crossing at crosswalks or when merging lanes. Clear guidelines about who maintains the right-of-way help to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to dangerous situations.

The other options focus on different aspects of driving regulations but do not accurately define the concept of right-of-way. Stopping completely may be a requirement in specific situations, such as at stop signs, but it does not define the prior claim to proceed. Yielding to traffic signals is an essential part of obeying road rules, yet it is separate from the idea of right-of-way, as signals govern actions quite generally. Similarly, a designated lane for turning only pertains to lane usage rather than the rights of vehicles or pedestrians at intersections.