Question

Difficulty: MediumRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

Four road users are approaching a T-intersection where a terminating side road meets a multi-lane main street without active traffic signals. Arrange the road users in the correct order of right-of-way precedence, from highest priority (first to proceed) to lowest priority (last to proceed).

  1. 1An ambulance responding to a call with active sirens and flashing lights approaching on the main street.
  2. 2A pedestrian lawfully crossing the terminating side street at a marked crosswalk.
  3. 3A car driving straight along the continuing main street.
  4. 4A car turning left from the terminating side street onto the main street.

Answer

The correct order of precedence is: 1) Emergency vehicle with active siren/lights, 2) Pedestrian crossing the side street, 3) Car traveling straight on the main street, 4) Car turning left from the terminating side street.
The emergency vehicle has absolute priority when using audible and visual signals. Next, pedestrians in crosswalks have priority over non-emergency traffic. Among the remaining motorized vehicles, the car on the continuing main street has right-of-way over the car entering from the terminating side road.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify top statutory priority.
The emergency vehicle operating with sirens and lights takes precedence over all other traffic.
State vehicle codes grant active emergency response vehicles immediate right-of-way priority.
2
Determine vulnerable road user right-of-way.
The pedestrian lawfully in the marked crosswalk takes precedence over normal vehicle traffic.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
3
Apply T-intersection right-of-way rules between vehicle movements.
The vehicle driving straight on the main street proceeds before the vehicle turning from the side street.
Traffic on a continuing highway has right-of-way over traffic entering from a terminating road.
4
Determine lowest priority vehicle.
The vehicle turning left from the terminating road yields to all through traffic and proceeds last.
Left turns crossing lanes of traffic yield to straight through traffic on the main road.

Key Concept

Hierarchy of right-of-way rules at T-intersections involving emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and turning traffic.
Rate this question