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Behind-the-Wheel

Right Of Way

Q: This is more of an observation as I am aware of who has the right-of-way. South bound, turning left from Springfield Road onto Benvoulin Road there is a left hand turn lane with a left turn advanced flashing green arrow. However, when flashing green arrow ceases and goes to solid green some drivers seem to get the idea that they still have the right-of-way even though there is a sign that indicates "yield on solid green". I travel this route frequently and have seen two accidents and numerous near misses. Can the sign that indicates "yield on solid green" be larger or illuminated?

A: I know the intersection you are writing about quite well. It does not seem to matter how large a sign is, it is certain drivers who cannot follow the rules of the roadway that are the problem. On a solid green light, vehicles making a left turn must yield to through traffic. Yielding right of way on left turn.

Section 174 of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that when a vehicle is in an intersection and its driver intends to turn left, the driver must yield the right of way to traffic approaching from the opposite direction that is in the intersection or so close as to constitute an immediate hazard, but having yielded and given a signal as required by sections 171 and 172, the driver may turn the vehicle to the left, and traffic approaching the intersection from the opposite direction must yield the right of way to the vehicle making the left turn.


Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison
Kelowna R.C.M.P. Detachment

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Tim Schewe is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. He has been writing his column for most of the 20 years of his service in the RCMP.

The column was 'The Beat Goes On' in Fort St. John, 'Traffic Tips' in the South Okanagan and now 'Behind the Wheel' on Vancouver Island and here on Castanet.net.

Schewe retired from the force in January of 2006, but the column has become a habit, and continues.

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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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