Right of Way

Information on who goes first.

Waiting for Pedestrians to Cross

Walk SignalAs a pedestrian in Vancouver I am feeling increasingly at risk says a visitor to this web site. Drivers want to maneuver behind pedestrians as soon as they can. What is the law about proceeding when the pedestrian is still on the street?

This question has two answers, depending if the pedestrian is at an intersection with or without operational traffic lights.

Racing to Merge First

Q&A ImageRecently I was on Highway 97 proceeding north and about to enter Westbank when a car exiting the connector highway, 97C, came abreast of me on my right. We were in a “dead heat,” as it were, with neither vehicle as much as a car’s length ahead of the other. I felt that I had the right of way and continued at the same speed. The other car merged after me, repeatedly sounding her horn.

CASE LAW - Chang v Alcuaz

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThe case of Chang v Alcuaz examines an intersection collision where the drivers approached each other at right angles. Both claim that they were facing a green light when they proceeded into the intersection. It is interesting to see how the judge determines which driver had actually faced a green traffic signal.

CASE LAW - Schurmann v Hoch

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThe case of Schurmann v Hoch arises from a collision that occurred at dusk in rainy weather. Mr. Schurmann was attempting to turn out of a parking lot onto the highway when he was struck by the vehicle Mr. Hoch (a GLP driver) was operating. Mr. Hoch had failed to turn on his headlights.

Yielding to a Bus

image of sign requiring yielding to a transit busThe other day I was following a bus. He put on his four way flashers and pulled completely off the road into a bus stop, so I proceeded to pass. When I was beside the bus, he pulled out and I had to swerve to avoid a collision. They do have a yield sign on the back of the bus, but don't they have to re-enter traffic yielding just like anyone else on the road?

Watch Out For Number Two!

Police VehicleI am guessing that most people see the code 3 operation of an emergency vehicle as something that would be exciting or thrilling. From my own experience I can say that this feeling quickly wears off and a sense of responsibility settles in. The lights and siren provide no protection for you or anyone else on the highways and the speeds involved expose us all to danger.

Yield Signs

image of what yield signs look likeSome drivers don't seem to realize that yield signs require them to do something laments a reader. They zoom right by and force their way into traffic as if the sign wasn't even there. Don't they realize that they can't do this?