Seattle Accidents & Injuries at Intersections
Whether you are in Seattle, Everett, or any other area of the Puget Sound, we have all experienced the proverbial standoff at 4 way intersections that do not have traffic lights. This includes intersections that have stop signs or no stop signs at all. It seems as if a majority of the time, either everyone tries to go at the same time or no one goes, until a driver with a little courage decides to try and negotiate the intersection. There is really no mystery to these types of intersections and traffic should move much better through them, at least in theory.
The question of who goes first, is set out in RCW 46.61.180:
(1) When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
So if you and another car reach an intersection at about the same time, the car on the right has the right-of-way. Seems pretty basic, but apparently some drivers didn't pay attention in their driver's ed class. This rule of the road applies to intersections with either stop signs (3 or 4 way stop) or an uncontrolled intersection with no stop signs at all. It is these types of intersections where most of the accidents and injuries occur.
But despite your knowledge of the rules of the road, you must still exercise caution and cannot count on the other drivers knowing the rules. Bottom line is know the rules, but always drive defensively.
