Understanding who has the right of way among pedestrians, cyclists and drivers can help prevent accidents.

Pedestrians

In most cases, pedestrians have the right of way. When at crosswalks, intersections or other designated crossing areas, drivers and cyclists must yield to pedestrians.

When pedestrians are already in a crosswalk, drivers and cyclists must stop and allow them to continue. Whether it's a marked crosswalk or an unmarked one at an intersection, pedestrians have the right of way.

Bicycles

Cyclists are considered vehicles on the road, and they are subject to the same rules as drivers. They are required to follow traffic signals, signs and lane markings. However, there are situations where cyclists have the right of way.

In designated bike lanes, cyclists have the right of way. Drivers should not enter or park in these lanes unless they need to cross them to access a driveway or parking lot.

When a vehicle and a bicycle approach an intersection, and the cyclist is going straight while the vehicle intends to make a right turn, the cyclist has the right of way.

Vehicles

Vehicles follow a set of rules regarding the right of way. When two or more vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. If one vehicle arrives slightly before the others, it should proceed first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At four-way stops, the vehicle that arrives first or the one to the right has the right of way. If there's doubt about who arrived first, the vehicle to the right should proceed.

When a vehicle and a cyclist or pedestrian are approaching an intersection from opposite directions, and both intend to turn left, the pedestrian or cyclist has the right of way.

Finally, drivers emerging from driveways or alleys must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.

If you’ve been injured in a right-of-way accident, contact an experienced Sarasota, FL accident attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.