Why Should Straight-Going Vehicles Yield to the Right?
3 Answers
When motor vehicles pass through an intersection without traffic signal control or traffic police direction, they should stop and look before entering the intersection, yielding to vehicles coming from the right. When motor vehicles pass through an intersection controlled by traffic signals, they should proceed according to the following rules: 1. At intersections with designated lanes, enter the appropriate lane based on the intended direction of travel; 2. Vehicles preparing to enter a roundabout should yield to vehicles already inside the intersection; 3. When turning left, turn from the left side near the center of the intersection. Turn signals should be activated when turning, and low beams should be used when driving at night; 4. When encountering a green light, proceed in order; 5. When encountering a red light, stop in order behind the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the intersection; 6. When turning right and encountering a vehicle in the same lane waiting for a green light, stop and wait in order; 7. At intersections without directional signal lights, turning vehicles should yield to straight-going vehicles and pedestrians. Right-turning vehicles from the opposite direction should yield to left-turning vehicles.
After driving for so many years, especially during the morning and evening rush hours at intersections, I deeply understand the importance of yielding to vehicles coming from the right. This rule primarily stems from safety considerations, as the driver sits on the left side of the car, making the right-side view easily obstructed by pillars or pedestrians. Vehicles approaching from the right are closer but harder to notice. If a straight-going vehicle forces its way through, it is highly likely to collide with the right-side vehicle, especially at intersections without traffic lights or in bad weather. I recall an incident a few years ago when I was going straight at the entrance of my neighborhood and didn’t yield to a car entering from the right, nearly resulting in a scrape. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to slow down and check the right side before proceeding. This habit significantly reduces the risk of accidents, making driving more reassuring, and also reflects the wisdom of road design.
From the perspective of traffic flow, giving the right-of-way to vehicles approaching from the right when going straight can efficiently manage intersection chaos. Rule designers incorporated the principle of minimizing conflict points during formulation. While straight-moving vehicles dominate the main road, those approaching from the right represent merging traffic from side roads. Granting them priority helps avoid congestion and hazards caused by simultaneous advancement from both directions. I often observe this at unlit suburban intersections while driving - when everyone yields to the right, traffic naturally flows much smoother without that tense jostling for position. This rule also integrates international standards, being applicable in most right-hand traffic countries to help establish unified driving behaviors. For daily implementation, novice drivers are advised to first practice in open road sections before handling complex scenarios.
