North Carolina DMV Practice Test

In a scenario with two vehicles approaching an intersection without signs or lights, who has the right of way when Car 1 is going straight and Car 2 wants to turn left while a pedestrian is waiting to cross?

1. Driver of Car 1

2. Driver of Car 2

3. Pedestrian

4. Neither driver

The correct answer is: Driver of Car 1

In this situation, the right of way is primarily determined by the actions of the vehicles involved. When Car 1 is traveling straight and Car 2 wishes to turn left, the driver of Car 1 has the right of way. This is because, in the absence of traffic signs or signals, vehicles that are going straight generally have precedence over those that are making a left turn. Car 2 must yield to oncoming traffic, including Car 1, when making a left turn. Additionally, while the pedestrian does have the right of way when crossing the road, the scenario specifies that Cars 1 and 2 are approaching the intersection before the pedestrian has initiated crossing. If the pedestrian begins crossing at the same time, both drivers must be cautious, but the fundamental rule remains that Car 1, moving straight, has the right of way over Car 2 turning left. This understanding of yielding and right of way helps ensure safe interactions between vehicles and pedestrians in uncontrolled intersections.