Question

Difficulty: MediumRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

Three drivers approach a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs on all four approaches. Vehicle 1 arrives at the intersection first and intends to turn left. Shortly after Vehicle 1 stops, Vehicle 2 and Vehicle 3 arrive at the intersection at the exact same time. Vehicle 2 intends to travel straight through, while Vehicle 3 is positioned to the right of Vehicle 2 and also intends to travel straight through. In what order should these vehicles proceed through the intersection?

  1. 1Vehicle 1 (arrived first, turning left)
  2. 2Vehicle 3 (arrived second, positioned to the right of Vehicle 2)
  3. 3Vehicle 2 (arrived second, positioned to the left of Vehicle 3)

Answer

Vehicle 1 proceeds first, followed by Vehicle 3, and finally Vehicle 2.
Vehicle 1 has first priority because it was the first vehicle to arrive and stop at the multi-way stop intersection. For the two vehicles arriving simultaneously after Vehicle 1, right-of-way rules specify that the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. Because Vehicle 3 is to the right of Vehicle 2, Vehicle 3 proceeds second, leaving Vehicle 2 to proceed last.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine initial priority based on arrival time at a multi-way stop.
Vehicle 1 proceeds first.
At a multi-way stop intersection, the first vehicle to reach a complete stop has the right-of-way to enter the intersection first.
2
Apply the yield-to-the-right rule for the remaining vehicles that arrived simultaneously.
Vehicle 3 proceeds second.
When two drivers stop at an intersection at the exact same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.
3
Assign final right-of-way position to the yielding driver.
Vehicle 2 proceeds third (last).
Vehicle 2 is positioned on the left relative to Vehicle 3 and must yield until Vehicle 3 finishes crossing.

Key Concept

Multi-way stop precedence order and the yield-to-right rule for simultaneous arrival
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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