Some intersection accidents in Michigan are fatal. Since it is impossible to eliminate the intersections it is important for a lot of drivers to fully understand the different laws on intersections not apply. Yield signs and stop signs help reduce the risk of car crashes, but how do you understand them?
Stop Signs
The Michigan Vehicle Code (Section 257.649) says the following about stop signs:
“(6) Stop signs. Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, the driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is not a crosswalk shall stop at a clearly marked stop line; or if there is not a crosswalk or a clearly marked stop line, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right of way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely on the highway as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when the driver would be moving across or within the intersection.”
Let us break down this provision of law.
- The provision clearly states that if you are approaching a stop intersection that is indicated by a stop sign, you should stop before entering the crosswalk.
- If there is no clearly marked stop sign, you should stop at the nearest point where you can see the traffic.
- After stopping make sure that you yield to the vehicle that has the right of way. The vehicle that has the right of way is the one that has already entered the intersection or that is approaching the intersection closely.
- Once you already see that the intersection is clear, you can get your own right of way and cross the intersection.
The only known exception to this is when a police officer or a traffic officer would direct you to proceed.
Yield Signs
Section 257.649 of the Michigan Vehicle Code also covers the rules for yield signs:
“(4) Yield signs. The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign, in obedience to the sign, shall slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and shall yield the right of way to a vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver would be moving across or within the intersection. However, if required for safety to stop, the driver shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if there is not a crosswalk, at a clearly marked stop line; but if there is not a crosswalk or a clearly marked stop line, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.”
The Michigan laws provide that when you are approaching a yield sign, you should abide by the sign and yield to the vehicle with the right of way.
Always Safety First
The most important thing that you should keep in mind is to make sure that you are safe when you are driving. No matter how strict the laws are you must ensure your safety first. You can always reach the destination that you want to reach in no time. Your life is more important.
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