Should Straight-Going Vehicles Yield to Turning Vehicles or Vice Versa?

[LeAiden]

In general, turning vehicles should yield to straight-going vehicles. However, there are several exceptions to this rule: 1. Straight-going vehicles on auxiliary roads: Vehicles going straight on auxiliary roads must yield to vehicles turning from the main road. In China, main roads are often accompanied by multiple auxiliary roads to facilitate traffic flow. According to regulations, vehicles on auxiliary roads must yield to those on the main road. 2. Yield signs: Many intersections are marked with inverted triangle-shaped yield signs. When approaching such intersections, drivers must yield to other vehicles. If an accident occurs due to failure to yield, the driver will bear full responsibility.

[LeValentina]

I remember when I first started driving, I was always confused about this too. Later, a friend from the traffic accident department explained it to me clearly: the law states that turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles. This is because straight-going vehicles are faster and have shorter reaction times, while turning vehicles move slower and are easier to control. I once saw an accident video where a left-turning car didn't yield to a straight-going car—not only was it fully at fault, but it also had to pay for the other car's repairs. However, in actual driving, you need to be flexible. For example, during rush hour traffic jams, if straight-going cars voluntarily stop to let turning cars go first, it actually improves overall traffic flow. But under normal driving conditions, as the turning party, you must always have the awareness to yield proactively.

[StEverett]

My driving instructor repeatedly emphasized this: turning vehicles must yield to through traffic! The principle is simple—through traffic has the right of way in their own lane. Imagine an intersection where you start turning the steering wheel, and a through vehicle behind you might be just a dozen meters away. Cutting in at this point would force them to slam on the brakes. One key point often overlooked is that 'turning vehicles yield to through traffic' applies specifically to two-way roads. It doesn't hold for right turns on one-way streets when facing oncoming through traffic—you must observe road markings and traffic signals instead. I remember one heavy rain day when I deliberately waited for two extra through vehicles before turning, and the driver behind even flashed their lights in gratitude.

[MacBrooke]

In practice, pay attention to three aspects: First, observe the traffic signals - you must follow the arrow light instructions. Second, at intersections without traffic signals, turning vehicles must yield to through traffic. Finally, judge the road attributes - for example, a turn from a service road onto a main road is equivalent to a lane change, requiring yielding to all main road vehicles. My neighbor learned this the hard way when he turned left assuming the oncoming car was far enough, but its high speed caused a sideswipe, resulting in the police assigning him full responsibility. While more vehicles now have automatic braking systems, maintaining at least a three-second safety buffer remains crucial for unexpected situations.