Road Rules: Dealing with dual yields

Question: Who has the right-of-way if one direction of traffic has a “right turn yield” and the opposite has “left hand yield on green”? People always act like they have the right-of-way going in both directions, often nearly causing crashes.

Answer: In life (and in driving) we’re in an ongoing pursuit of understanding. At the same time, perfect understanding is unachievable. A Sisyphean task, to be sure. I lead with that in order that we might have grace and patience for the people we share the road with when they fall short of understanding how to properly yield the right-of-way. 

I’m going to guess you’re talking about an intersection that looks something like what is pictured. 

Here we have an intersection mostly controlled by traffic lights, with one right turn lane managed by a yield sign. I’d like us to consider a couple scenarios, but before we do, keep in mind that the law requires a driver approaching a yield sign to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection.

Scenario one: Both of the cars in the diagram arrive at the intersection at about the same time. If the two cars approach the intersection from opposite directions, intending to turn west, and both arrive at the intersection at the same time, there’s enough distance between the two of them that if they both go there shouldn’t be a conflict; the driver at the yield sign will enter the westbound lane, followed by the driver at the green light, who can see the right-turning car and adjust their speed appropriately. 

It should all mesh together like clockwork as they both happily carry on their way. I know, I’m an optimist.

Scenario two: The car turning left arrives and enters the intersection first. If we refer back to the law, it’s clear that the car turning right has to yield to the left-turning car already in the intersection. I know some of you right now are shouting that I’m wrong. How do I know that? I’ve had this conversation before.

Let’s say you disagree with my answer. I can tolerate that, as long as we agree on a higher goal: Doing what it takes to avoid a crash. Besides, when you’re pulling up to the intersection, my interpretation matters a lot less than what the person coming the other direction thinks. 

When you’re approaching an unfamiliar or possibly confusing intersection, you don’t have time to look up the law, or even read an article trying to explain the law. 

Given that you’ve read this far, you hopefully know what to do, but the other driver might not be as far along in their pursuit of understanding. If you extend a bit of patience and kindness, leaving some time and space for error and ignorance, you’ll be a step closer to achieving Nirvana, or whatever metaphysical destination you aspire to, and it’ll be safer for everyone on the road.

Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.