Why should vehicles turning right yield to those turning left when traveling in opposite directions?
4 Answers
Because left turns are more challenging - they are restricted by traffic lights and may be blocked by through traffic, while right turns are relatively easier, hence the rule for right-turning vehicles to yield to left-turning ones. Below are relevant driving guidelines: 1. Precautions: Never drink before driving. It's common knowledge that drunk driving is prohibited. Avoid wearing headphones while driving as they impair your ability to hear external sounds and interfere with judgment. Ensure regular vehicle maintenance before driving and always inspect your vehicle's condition before hitting the road. 2. Good habits: Walk around your vehicle to check its exterior and tire conditions before entering. After sitting down, first adjust the steering wheel position, then your seat. Only start the engine and shift gears after securing a proper driving posture.
As an ordinary person who frequently drives in the city, I find that the rule requiring right-turning vehicles to yield to left-turning vehicles from the opposite direction is primarily based on safety considerations. When making a left turn, a vehicle has to cross the entire road, occupying more time and space, especially at intersections where they must wait for oncoming straight-moving vehicles to pass before slowly turning. During this process, any conflict can be dangerous. In contrast, right turns are usually much simpler, as the vehicle can just turn directly from the side lane without blocking the main road. Therefore, traffic rules require right-turning vehicles to yield to left-turning ones to reduce the probability of collisions when both vehicles move simultaneously, thereby protecting all road users. During rush hours, I've seen many instances where if a right-turning vehicle forces its way through, the left-turning vehicle is often forced to brake suddenly, causing trouble for the cars behind. Overall, this rule makes intersections more orderly, reduces honking and arguments, and makes everyone feel safer while driving.
Having driven for many years and encountered various road conditions, I understand that this yielding rule is purely for accident prevention. Left-turning vehicles have limited visibility during the turn, especially at night or in rainy/foggy weather, making it easy to miss oncoming traffic. If opposing right-turning vehicles don't yield at this moment, both parties might directly converge at the turning point, causing minor scratches at best or rollovers at worst. This rule is quite reasonable—I remember once at a complex intersection when I yielded to a left-turning vehicle while making a right turn, which actually prevented a major traffic jam. It's not about creating hassle but ensuring smooth flow, especially giving novice drivers time to assess the situation. Following this makes intersections safer and more efficient, avoiding the headache of accident handling.
When I first started learning to drive, I often wondered why right-turning vehicles should yield to left-turning ones. Later, my knowledgeable driving instructor explained it clearly. Left turns are more complex maneuvers—they require slower speeds and occupy multiple lanes, taking longer to complete. Right turns are simpler, just needing to turn into the adjacent lane. Without this rule, conflicting paths at intersections would create higher collision risks. My first few driving attempts nearly resulted in panicked braking over this, but now I'm accustomed to it and find this practical rule absolutely essential.
