Prevent Missouri Car Crashes: When In Doubt, Yield the Right-of-Way

“Failure to yield the right of way” occurs when one driver doesn’t stop, slow down, or move over when road signs or road rules call for that driver to do so.

Failing to yield the right of way leads to hundreds of Missouri car crashes each year, including accidents with pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road.

Some road signs and markings make it clear who has the right-of-way and who should yield. For instance, the “yield” sign, which is an upside-down red triangle with the word “yield” in it, tells drivers that if another car is coming, they must slow or stop to let that vehicle go by. Stop signs require drivers not only to yield, but to come to a complete stop. Marked crosswalks tell drivers to keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians crossing the road, since drivers must yield to pedestrians.

Sometimes, who should yield isn’t clearly marked, but Missouri has “rules of the road” that provide guidance. A common source of “who should yield?” questions are four-way stops, where two roads cross and a driver approaching the intersection from any of the four directions must first stop before proceeding. At four-way stops, Missouri law allows the first driver to stop at the intersection to go first and requires other drivers to yield.

It’s always wise to check twice at intersections and other areas before you proceed. When in doubt, yielding to vehicles, pedestrians, or others on the road is often safer than charging forward.

If you’ve been injured in a crash where someone failed to yield, you don’t have to fight for the benefits you deserve on your own. The Jefferson County car collision attorneys at Page Law will fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on recovery. Call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free and confidential consultation.