What is the principle of yielding when turning?
3 Answers
Generally, turning vehicles should yield to vehicles going straight. Except for the following situations: vehicles on the auxiliary road should yield to those on the main road. During the previous signal light release, some vehicles may rush through the yellow light. When vehicles reach the turning section, vehicles going straight should yield to turning vehicles. If there is a yield sign, you must follow the sign to drive, even if you are going straight. If there are turning vehicles, you must yield to them. Otherwise, you will be fully responsible for any accidents. Below is extended information about left and right turns while driving: 1. Turning on steep slopes: When approaching a curve, slow down and honk the horn while driving slowly. On steep slopes, shift into a low gear in advance to ensure sufficient climbing power and avoid shifting gears while turning to prevent accidents. Choose the appropriate timing for turning and aim to complete the turn in one go. Avoid improper steering that may require reversing and turning again, which increases danger. 2. Heavy fog or sandstorm days: When turning in such weather, be well-prepared. Turn on the front small lights and fog lights early, honk the horn frequently to alert pedestrians and other vehicles, proceed slowly, and always be ready to brake and stop.
With over a decade of driving experience, I deeply understand that the core principle of yielding when turning is to prioritize straight-moving vehicles, pedestrians, or non-motorized vehicles. The specific rule is simple: whether at an intersection or a curve, whenever you intend to make a left or right turn, you must slow down, come to a stop, and observe to confirm if there are any oncoming straight-moving vehicles from the opposite or adjacent directions. If there are vehicles approaching straight, you must patiently wait for them to pass before proceeding. This is because straight-moving vehicles typically travel at higher speeds and their movements can be unpredictable; suddenly turning in front of them can easily lead to collisions, such as rear-end or side-swipe accidents. In daily life, I strictly adhere to this practice whenever I take my family out, as it is not only a legal requirement but also a fundamental safety measure. Additionally, at intersections without traffic signals, you may also need to yield to vehicles coming from the right—a detail that is easily overlooked but crucial. Developing this awareness can prevent many troubles, as even a minor oversight can lead to serious consequences. I emphasize that it’s worth waiting a few extra seconds rather than rushing, as safety should always come first.
As a driver, I always regard yielding when turning as a life-saving rule to follow: essentially, when a vehicle turns, it must actively yield the right of way to all traffic going straight, whether it's cars, bicycles, or pedestrians. For example, in my daily driving, when making a right turn and encountering oncoming straight traffic, I must come to a complete stop and wait for it to pass rather than forcing my way in. This is especially crucial in rainy or snowy weather because slippery roads can easily lead to skidding and loss of control. Why is this so important? Straight-moving traffic often travels at higher speeds, and suddenly cutting in during a turn poses too great a risk—I've witnessed many accidents caused by failure to yield. In practical terms, I recommend developing the habit of checking the rearview mirror and blind spots before turning; don’t rely solely on intuition. If the intersection is complex, slow down or even honk to alert others, as this can prevent 99% of dangerous situations. Don’t dismiss it as a minor issue—everyone in a vehicle has a responsibility to protect their own safety and that of others.
