Right of Way
 

It seems to me that many of our residents don't understand or have forgotten the right of way rules when it comes to intersections.

Many times I have gotten to the stop sign after another car only to be waved on. Or in some instances, I have gotten to the stop sign at the same time as a car on my right and again get waved on. I think that people are doing this because they think that they are being polite, but it is actually dangerous.

When two cars approach an intersection, the one that gets their first has the right of way. If they both arrive at the same time, the one on the right should go first.

If everyone follows these simple rules driving would be much safer and less frustrating.

Now, I do have a question that possibly someone here can answer.

If two cars are approaching and intersection in opposite directions both arriving at the same time and one of them is going to make a left hand turn, which has the right of way? I'm guessing that the one going straight ahead does because when the car making the left hand turn turns, the other car is on the right.

More people need to read and understand this. Following the rules of the road, being predictable, would save a lot of problems. I don't mind waiting my turn but it frustrates me to no end to have someone "politely" sit there and wave me through - if you just follow the rules and be predictable then things would move more smoothly.

As for the left hand turn, since both cars arrived at the same time and they are opposite one another then neither would benefit from being there first or being on the right. So, let both proceed at the same time. Now it become the same as an intersection with a green light or no marking at all. In that case, the vehicle turning left needs to yield to oncoming traffic. (Not an expert, but have a lot of miles of experience)

You would be spot on with your intersection question. I also prefer that folks do not stop when on a street to let someone out of a side street...once again they are likely to think they are being considerate, but in reality they disrupt the unintended flow of traffic.

Where the cart lane is part of a roadway(like Pinellas Way)and that cart lane ends there's usually a sign that says "carts merge with vehicular traffic". For those who don't know this does not mean that those in carts have the right-of-way over the cars. So please stop pulling out in front of cars assuming they will stop/slow down for you. I have waaay to many close calls in these situations...guess who loses when cart driver doesn't yield?

That's correct, because the turning car has to cross the other's car roadway to complete their turn.

Then there the ones that don’t stop 🛑. You’re NOT in line till you stop preferable behind the stop sign. IMO 4 way stops are the worse, half don’t stop and roll through the other have stops and afraid to pull out due the AH who won’t stop at the stop sign and does the roll out into the intersections, then looks at people stopped like jerk.

I was taught that when making a left turn, you yield to everyone.

So in your example, the straight-ahead traffic proceeds, and when it is clear the other driver can make their left turn.

Unless it's raining.

Vehicle going straight has the right of way!

Sumter Sheriff gives golf car right of way over vehicles and will ticket vehicle in case of accident.

You would think it is nice when people waive you on, or especially when they stop to let a golf cart cross, but this is dangerous. Just follow the rules of the road and life will be reliably predictable, and everyone will be OK.

I don’t think I will try to prove that point , cars are far too big to challenge right of way question. I think cars have right of way always.

Another routine on Pinellas near the Morse Blvd gate— golf carts that literally jump out in front of your car 100 feet before the merge. They’re just begging to be wiped out.

Your what if situations are taking control of your life. Let go of your anxiety.

Been there. Paid the ticket.

I totally agree with most of the points made above, especially the one about complete stops at stop signs to be sure of who gets right of way. The question regarding the left turner over straight ahead is just like what happens when a light turns green, it's always the straight ahead car that has the right of way. Regarding the guy who thinks 100 feet isn't enough distance for a golf cart to merge: I think it's a shame when car drivers don't have enough foresight to see the upcoming merge and allow the cart in front of them to merge. Just like so many people on highways who don't allow enough space for on ramp mergers. It's just selfish or stupidly dangerous in my book.