Question

Difficulty: MediumRight-of-Way Rules at Intersections

Four vehicles arrive at a four-way uncontrolled intersection under different scenarios. Arrange the vehicles in the correct order of right-of-way precedence from first to yield to last to yield (first to proceed to last to proceed).

  1. 1An emergency vehicle with active siren and flashing lights proceeding straight through the intersection
  2. 2A vehicle already established inside the intersection turning left
  3. 3A vehicle positioned on the right of another vehicle arriving simultaneously at an uncontrolled four-way stop
  4. 4A vehicle turning left facing oncoming straight-through traffic at an uncontrolled intersection

Answer

The correct order of proceeding through the intersection is: (1) Emergency vehicle with lights and siren, (2) Vehicle already established inside the intersection, (3) Vehicle on the right arriving simultaneously, and (4) Vehicle making an unprotected left turn facing oncoming traffic.
Right-of-way order follows a clear statutory hierarchy: active emergency vehicles take highest priority, followed by vehicles already clearing an intersection, then vehicles applying the yield-to-right rule for simultaneous arrival, and finally vehicles making unprotected left turns which must yield to through traffic.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify absolute priority road users
The emergency vehicle operating with active sirens and lights has top right-of-way priority.
Emergency vehicles responding to emergency calls supersede standard right-of-way rules.
2
Determine intersection occupancy status
The vehicle already established in the intersection proceeds next.
Vehicles already legally occupying an intersection must be allowed to clear before new vehicles enter.
3
Apply the yield-to-the-right rule for simultaneous arrival
The vehicle positioned on the right proceeds before the left-turning vehicle.
At uncontrolled intersections, drivers yield to the vehicle on their right when arriving at the same time.
4
Apply left-turn yield regulations
The left-turning vehicle facing oncoming traffic proceeds last.
Drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic proceeding straight or turning right.

Key Concept

Right-of-Way Precedence Hierarchy at Intersections
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