What is the mnemonic for 'left turn yields to right turn, right turn yields to straight'?
4 Answers
The mnemonic 'right turn yields to left turn, left turn yields to straight' is a rule for yielding while driving. It means that when turning right, vehicles must yield to those turning left, and when turning left, vehicles must yield to those going straight. Here are some precautions to consider when turning: 1. Turning in heavy fog or sandstorm conditions: When driving in such weather, drivers must be aware of their surroundings, turn on the front small lights and fog lights early, honk frequently to alert pedestrians and other vehicles, proceed slowly, and always be prepared to brake and stop. 2. Turning on narrow roads: Drivers should assess the road conditions and honk 50-100 meters before starting the turn, then slow down. When visibility is poor at the curve, the vehicle should quickly move to the right side of the road to avoid obstructing the normal flow of other vehicles.
I always remember the rule 'left turn yields to right turn, right turn yields to going straight' because it's so useful in real driving. It means if you're turning left, you must yield to vehicles coming from the right that are turning right; if you're turning right, you must yield to vehicles going straight. This rule is designed for safety and is especially crucial at intersections without traffic lights. After driving for so many years, I've encountered many situations where accidents were avoided. For example, last week at a busy intersection, I was preparing to turn left when I saw another car about to turn right, so I decisively stopped to let it pass—forcing my way through could have caused a scrape. New drivers sometimes panic, but remembering this rule helps you handle unexpected situations more calmly. Additionally, this doesn't just apply to cars; you also need to observe when cycling or walking, such as checking the direction of oncoming traffic when crossing the street to avoid someone suddenly appearing from a blind spot. In short, memorizing the rules, driving slowly at complex intersections, and always yielding the right of way can protect everyone's safety.
As someone who enjoys studying traffic, I understand the underlying logic behind 'left turn yields to right turn, right turn yields to straight.' This rule is designed based on the different trajectories of turning vehicles: a left turn requires crossing the opposite lane, posing higher risks, so it must yield to the smoother right-turning traffic. Meanwhile, when making a right turn, straight-moving vehicles are traveling at higher speeds, and yielding helps reduce rear-end collision risks. This is highly practical for daily commutes. I often drive through some un-signalized intersections in old urban areas on my way to work, and following this rule keeps things orderly. Relatedly, the rule also ties into intersection types—for instance, at stop signs, the sequence of stopping and starting must adhere to this principle. However, it's worth noting that at signalized intersections, traffic lights take precedence, and the rule isn't the sole guideline. Cultivating good habits, like glancing at the rearview mirror before every turn and anticipating surrounding traffic, can make driving more efficient.
When I was learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized the mnemonic 'left yields to right, right yields to straight.' It has been a great help to me. It means that left-turning vehicles yield to right-turning ones, and right-turning vehicles yield to those going straight. The most direct benefit for me was during my driving test at the driving school. I applied this rule at a simulated intersection and passed smoothly. After actually driving, this rule has made me feel more confident, preventing nervous braking when turning in residential areas or streets. Relatedly, the mnemonic also involves pedestrian safety. When walking, I pay attention to the movement of cars; if a car is turning left, I can wait more safely. A simple memory aid can prevent accidents.
