Avoid Accidents by Making Sure Your Drivers Understand Right-of-Way

Too often, commercial vehicle accidents occur because drivers either do not fully understand right-of-way, or they fail to act appropriately in situations where taking the right-of-way jeopardizes another vehicle.

To prevent these types of accidents, the FMCSA addresses right-of-way in their Accident Countermeasure Program.

The FMCSA recommends that commercial truck drivers give right-of-way until it is apparent that right-of-way is being given by the other driver. Drivers should also remember that, generally, the driver that arrives last gives right-of-way to drivers who were their first (be it at an intersection or merging onto a freeway).

Right-of-way should always be given in the following situations:

• When entering traffic
• When turning left in front of approaching traffic
• When changing lanes

Drivers should move into their intended path only after they are sure it won't interfere with other traffic. If a maneuver would cause another driver to steer or break, it should not be undertaken. Transportation managers should ensure that their drivers understand right-of-way and should periodically have a qualified person ride with drivers to examine their behaviors.