The Intersection Puzzle: Who Goes First?
Driving isn’t just about steering and speed; it’s a constant game of logic and rules. One of the most debated scenarios in driving tests and social media is the unregulated T-junction or intersection. The image shows three cars: A (Pink), B (Blue), and C (Yellow).
At first glance, it looks like a mess of arrows, but there is a clear legal order of priority that every driver should know to avoid accidents.
The Scenario Breakdown
* Car B (Blue): Is traveling straight on the main road.
* Car C (Yellow): Is on the main road but intends to turn left, crossing the lane of oncoming traffic.
* Car A (Pink): Is coming from a side road (the stem of the T) and intends to turn left.
The Correct Order of Priority
In most international traffic laws (unless signs or lights indicate otherwise), the order is as follows:
1. Car B (The Blue Car) Goes First
Car B has the absolute right of way because it is traveling straight on a major road. It does not have to cross any lines of traffic to reach its destination.
2. Car C (The Yellow Car) Goes Second
Car C is also on the major road. However, because it is turning left, it must yield to oncoming traffic (Car B). Once Car B has passed, Car C can complete its turn.
3. Car A (The Pink Car) Goes Last
Car A is entering from a side road. In a T-junction, traffic on the joining road must always yield to the traffic already on the continuous road. Car A must wait for both B and C to clear the intersection before making its move.
Why Do People Get It Wrong?
Many drivers mistakenly believe that because Car A and Car C are both “turning,” they might have some shared priority, or they forget the “Main Road Rule.” In reality, the simplest rule to remember is: Straight traffic goes first, then right turns, then left turns, and side roads always yield to the main road.
Safety Tip