In 2023, 1,120 people were killed in crashes occurring in or around intersections, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. That’s the most since 2018. It’s critical that drivers understand the rules around intersections so they become safer.
What Are Right-of-Way Laws?
Right-of-way laws govern how people are supposed to interact in different traffic scenarios. The laws do this by imposing a duty on people to yield under certain circumstances.
The goal is to help drivers, pedestrians and cyclists stay safe while keeping traffic moving. Here, our Dallas personal injury lawyers explain key right-of-way laws everyone in Texas should know.
Controlled Intersections
When traffic lights or signs control an intersection, everyone must obey the signal/sign. If two vehicles arrive at stop signs at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Uncontrolled Intersections
At intersections without lights or signs, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
Left Turns
When drivers want to turn left across oncoming traffic, they must yield to oncoming traffic. This is true even when that traffic is close enough to pose a threat or is moving quickly. It applies to all left turns except when a green arrow light gives the turning driver the right of way.
Yield Signs
When drivers see a yield sign, they must be ready to slow down to let crossing vehicles or pedestrians pass. Drivers should always be prepared to come to a full stop at a yield sign.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians using a crosswalk have the right of way, even if the crosswalk is not painted (unpainted crosswalks are called unmarked or implied crosswalks). Drivers pulling into a driveway or alley must also yield to pedestrians. And, when one vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian, other drivers cannot pass that vehicle.
On the other hand, if a pedestrian is crossing the street in a place other than a crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to drivers. Like vehicles, pedestrians are required by law to follow traffic lights and signs.
Emergency Vehicles
All vehicles must move to the right side of the road when emergency vehicles have lights and sirens on.
School Buses
Drivers must stop for school buses that are stopped and displaying flashing red lights. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus starts moving again or until the bus driver signals that it’s okay to pass. This law applies to vehicles approaching from either direction. The one exception is if there is a physical barrier dividing the roadway; in that case, only drivers on the same side as the bus need to stop.
Get Legal Advice if You Were Struck at an Intersection
Were you injured at an intersection in the Dallas/Fort Worth area? Talk to the lawyers of Ted B. Lyon & Associates, one of the leading injury law firms in Texas. You can get a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney by calling 877-Ted-Lyon or contacting us online.
