What does the term "right-of-way" refer to?

The term "right-of-way" refers to the legal right to proceed first in a traffic situation. This concept is critical for maintaining order and safety on the road. It dictates which vehicle or pedestrian has precedence in various scenarios, such as at intersections, during merging, and while navigating through roundabouts.

Understanding who has the right-of-way helps prevent accidents and ensures smooth traffic flow. For instance, at a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive at the stop sign typically has the right-of-way. Similarly, pedestrians often have the right-of-way at crosswalks, ensuring their safety when crossing streets.

The other options do not accurately convey the meaning of right-of-way. The notion of speeding (as mentioned in the first option) contradicts traffic laws and safety protocols. Guidelines for sharing the road (the third option) are essential but are more general and do not define the specific legal principle of right-of-way. Ignoring traffic signals (the fourth option) is not only unsafe but also illegal, undermining the very purpose of traffic regulations designed to protect all road users.