Why Should the Main Road Have Priority?
3 Answers
It is because of the high traffic volume that a road becomes the main road. The main road serves as the trunk line, while the auxiliary road serves as the branch line. Vehicles on the branch line should yield to those on the trunk line. Generally, the main road has more lanes and higher speed limits, so vehicles on the auxiliary road must yield to those on the main road. When traffic on the main road is too heavy and the pressure is too high, some vehicles can temporarily use the auxiliary road to alleviate the traffic pressure on the main road. Interchange overpass. Additional content, auxiliary road setup standards: 1. Auxiliary roads should be set on both sides or one side of the main road for ground-level expressways, and on the surface layer under elevated roads for elevated expressways. In urban areas, auxiliary roads should be set continuously. For expressway auxiliary roads in suburban areas, they can be set continuously or intermittently. 2. One-way or two-way auxiliary roads: Auxiliary roads set on both sides of the main road should adopt one-way traffic, while those set on one side of the main road can adopt two-way traffic. 3. Elevated roads and ground-level roads: Elevated roads and ground-level roads should be connected via on and off ramps. 4. Motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle lanes: For the cross-section layout of auxiliary roads on ground-level expressways, motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle lanes should be physically separated or marked with dividing lines. When motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle lanes are physically separated in one direction, the width of the motor vehicle lane should not be less than 7.5m; when motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle lanes are separated by markings in one direction, the width of the auxiliary road should not be less than 8.5m; when traffic volumes for both motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles are high, the width of the auxiliary road can be 12~13m.
I often ponder this question while driving on the road: giving priority to the main road is primarily for safety considerations. Vehicles on the main road usually travel at higher speeds and with greater traffic volume. If vehicles from the auxiliary road cut in recklessly, it can easily lead to accidents. I remember once at an intersection, an aggressive driver from the auxiliary road nearly collided with a truck on the main road—the consequences could have been dire. Prioritizing the main road helps reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and crashes, especially during nighttime or in rainy and foggy conditions. Traffic rules emphasize this point to cultivate good driving habits in everyone and ensure road order. Urban designs often place 'yield' signs beside auxiliary roads to remind drivers. In reality, waiting a bit on the auxiliary road allows the main road to flow smoothly, significantly lowering overall accident rates. Safety is fundamental, and over decades of driving, this rule has saved me from many panicked moments. The same applies to construction zones—temporarily yielding to the main road minimizes disruptions. Developing this habit makes journeys safer and smoother.
From a traffic management perspective, I believe the rule of yielding the main road to the auxiliary road is designed to enhance efficiency. As the primary artery of traffic, the main road carries the majority of urban vehicle flow. If interrupted by auxiliary roads, congestion would occur. I once participated in roadside observations where, during peak hours at an intersection with a clear main road, following the rule of waiting for the auxiliary road reduced delays by 15 minutes. On average, this saves fuel and driver time, positively impacting the economy. Priority rules minimize unnecessary stops and starts, allowing traffic to flow smoothly like a stream. Urban planners optimize this aspect in their designs to avoid resource wastage. In the long run, it boosts productivity and benefits the environment through reduced emissions. When driving, I always remember: wait for the main road to pass before proceeding—contributing to the bigger picture while ensuring personal peace of mind. Simple measures yield significant results, and collective compliance multiplies efficiency.
