What does the term “right of way” refer to?

The term "right of way" refers to the right of a vehicle or pedestrian to proceed before others in a given situation. This concept is crucial for ensuring safe interactions between various road users, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Understanding right of way rules helps to prevent accidents and promotes efficient traffic flow by clearly establishing who has the priority in specific situations, such as at intersections, crosswalks, or when merging onto a roadway.

For example, at a four-way stop, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way, while pedestrians in a crosswalk are given priority over vehicles that are turning. This aligns with traffic laws designed to protect vulnerable road users and maintain order on the roads.

Other options present concepts that are related to road safety but do not accurately define the term “right of way.” For instance, the priority given to cyclists over vehicles is not universally applicable and varies by jurisdiction and specific road conditions, while speed limits pertain to the allowed speed of travel rather than determining priority. Lastly, the obligation to stop at all intersections is more a matter of traffic control rather than outlining the concept of right of way.