Right-of-way laws dictate who has the right to go first when more than one vehicle is present in a particular traffic scenario. Establishing who had the right-of-way may be able to show which driver violated the law and is responsible for the resulting injuries.
Here are some key right-of-way traffic laws in Colorado you should know.
Intersection Right-of-Way Rules
Traffic signals establish the right-of-way. Absent a signal, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right when they arrive at an intersection at the same time.
Turning Left Right-of-Way Rule
When a motorist is turning left and another vehicle is traveling straight and is so close as to pose an imminent hazard if they execute the turn, they must yield to the oncoming vehicle.
Entering the Road Right-of-Way Rule
Vehicles entering the roadway from a driveway, private road, or parking lot must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the roadway.
Mountain Road Right-of-Way Rule
On a narrow, steep mountain road, the driver traveling uphill has the right of way over the driver traveling downhill. The driver traveling downhill must yield, pull over safely, and let the driver continue uphill.
Roundabout Road Right-of-Way Rule
If it’s a one-lane roundabout, vehicles approaching a roundabout must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle already in the circle if it’s a one-lane roundabout. If there is a second lane, you can enter the second lane and proceed.
Construction Zone Right-of-Way Rule
Construction or maintenance vehicles or workers in a designated construction zone have the right-of-way.
Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way Rule
An authorized service vehicle, ambulance, or police vehicle with flashing lights has the right-of-way.
Bus Right-of-Way
A bus in front of a motorist that has just stopped, signaled, and is letting off passengers has the right-of-way. Other motorists must allow the bus to reenter the lane.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way Rules
Pedestrians are required to obey traffic control signals that pertain to them. If there is no working traffic control signal, a pedestrian in a crosswalk has the right-of-way. Approaching vehicles must yield to them. They cannot cross diagonally unless a traffic control signal allows it. If a pedestrian crosses a road not at an intersection, they must yield to vehicles on the roadway. Vehicles cannot pass other vehicles stopped in a crosswalk that are allowing pedestrians to cross.
Pedestrians on or near a sidewalk have a right of way. Vehicles must allow them to cross the sidewalk before turning into it so as not to cause a pedestrian accident.
Reasonable Care Right-of-Way Law
While the right-of-way rules discussed above are critical, all motorists have a duty to prevent accidents. You must exercise reasonable care considering all the conditions to avoid causing a preventable crash.
Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Case Review
If you were hurt in a Denver car accident in which the other driver failed to obey the right-of-way rules, reach out to Dulin McQuinn Young for immediate legal advice and representation. We can discuss the circumstances surrounding the crash during a free case review and explain the process for pursuing fair compensation. Call us at (303) 246-1111 for a free consultation.