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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