Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department This past week, I was asked a question about the rules to observe when entering a limited access highway, such as Route 395. The person asking the question is often troubled by those, entering via the on ramp, who do not yield to the traffic on the highway. I was asked to explain to drivers about the obligations to yield in these circumstances. In these instances, the driver entering the highway has the obligation to give the right of way to those vehicles already on the road. Most, if not all, of these ramps have “yield” signs. These are prevalent in various locations, including rotary entrances. They can also be found at some intersections on local roads. The procedures to follow these signs are covered under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 89 Section 9. It states in part, “The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall in obedience to such sign slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop…After slowing or stopping, the driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways.” This law places the obligation to yield the right of way on the vehicle approaching the sign. This section of the law also addresses accidents. It states in part “if such a driver is involved in a collision with a vehicle in the intersection or junction of roadways, after driving past a yield sign without stopping, such collision shall be deemed prima facie evidence of his failure to yield the right of way.” This basically means the driver facing the yield sign can be deemed responsible for an accident, despite the actions of any other vehicle. |
The bottom line in any of these cases is to know your surroundings and exercise proper caution.
When entering a limited access highway, rotary, or similar location where traffic is already traveling, drivers must yield to the other vehicles. In cases of limited access highways, vehicles are traveling at higher speeds. There is a greater likelihood of serious accidents taking place, particularly when vehicles are entering the road or changing lanes. If it will be a “close call” to enter the roadway, take the extra moment and properly give way to the other vehicles. Driving defensively can prevent accidents and injuries. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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