There are many different situations that yielding is necessary while driving. Some situations include yield signs while others do not. It is important to understand when to yield, and when not to yield to make Alaskan roads safer.
When To Yield
Yielding is required when a yield sign is present, such as when entering a highway. It is important to yield to vehicles already on the highway, especially trucks because they need extra time to slow down or stop. Another common place to yield is at T-intersections where there is a through road. Vehicles entering the through road must yield to vehicles already on the through road.
Drivers turning left must use caution and yield to all other traffic, including cars, pedestrians and cyclists. The best time to turn left is on a solid green arrow. Even then, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and look for others on the road.
Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Vehicles are designed to withstand impacts, people are not. Hitting a pedestrian can cause serious injuries to that person. If someone is in a crosswalk, they have the right-of-way. Especially pay attention to individuals with a seeing eye dog or a cane because they may not hear you or know that you are nearby.
A less common situation for those not familiar with Alaskan roads is steep hills or inclines where there may only be room for one lane of traffic. During winter months, roads affected by snow require extra caution from drivers traveling both up and down a hill. Drivers traveling downhill must yield to the vehicle traveling uphill in these situations.
Yielding is important to maintain the flow of traffic and practice caution, however there are instances when it is not appropriate to yield.
When Not To Yield
If you are traveling on the highway, slowing down traffic or stopping to yield to drivers entering the highway can cause an accident. Practice defensive driving by staying aware and watching vehicles entering or exiting the highway but also remember that vehicles on the highway have the right-of-way over those entering the highway.
Traffic circles are a common place where drivers improperly yield. Vehicles in the traffic circle have the right-of-way. When entering a traffic circle, yield to those in the traffic circle. When exiting a traffic circle, it is important to pay attention to traffic patterns but yielding can cause a backup in the traffic circle or even a crash.
Finally, drivers often yield incorrectly when trying to get over into another lane. If you know you need to change lanes, turn, or exit the highway, give yourself plenty of time to get over so that you do not impede traffic.
If you are in an accident and suffer injuries because another vehicle improperly yielded, you may need to hold that person responsible for their actions.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: SafeMotorist.com “Who Has the Right of Way?” | Photo
