By Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu (FRSCN)
METHOD TWO OF FOUR:
* Yielding Right of Way at Intersections:
- Yield to drivers who arrive before you at an intersection. If the intersection has a stop sign, come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicles that arrived before you. If there’s no stop sign, slow down and be prepared to stop for any vehicles that reach the intersection first.
- Stop at an intersection if the light is inoperative. If the light is completely inoperative, treat it as a 4-way stop. If the light isn’t functioning properly and you have a blinking red light, treat it as a stop sign. For a blinking yellow light, proceed slowly and with caution.
Remember to always come to a complete stop at a stop sign or blinking red light.
- Allow the vehicle on the right to pass if you arrived at the same time. When 2 vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop or intersection with no traffic signs at the same time, the driver to the right has priority. If possible, make eye contact with the other driver or flash your lights to signal that you’re letting them pass.
- Stop for oncoming traffic before making a left turn. Whether you’re turning left to enter a street, driveway, or parking lot, always yield to oncoming vehicles. Don’t cross the oncoming lane to make your turn until approaching vehicles have passed.
If you’re at a traffic light and have a green turn arrow, oncoming traffic has a red light and you may turn left. Just make sure oncoming vehicles have actually stopped and check for pedestrians crossing the street.
- Stop at a T-intersection if you’re turning onto the through road. A T-intersection is formed by a through road and a road that comes to a dead end. Drivers traveling on the through road have the right of way. If you’re turning onto the through road, wait until all approaching cars have passed before proceeding.
Stop for oncoming traffic when turning onto a through road even if there is no stop sign.
- Yield before entering a roundabout. Cars that are already traveling through the roundabout have the right of way. Enter the roundabout when you can do so without causing an approaching vehicle to brake.
The traffic expert is DCC Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, DCC Morning and Evaluation (M&E), Special Duties and External Relations (SEDER), FRCC HQ, Abuja
