Determining which vehicle has the right of way can be challenging in some situations. While the driver or rider who arrives at a stop sign first should proceed through the intersection first, other scenarios make this right of way more challenging to figure out. Merging: The motorist or rider who occupies the road first has the right of way, meaning if another driver wants to change lanes or merge into that lane, the driver or rider already occupying the lane has the right of way. Parking space: If a motorist wants to pull out of a parking space, the rider or driver already in the lane has the right of way. Highway on/off ramps: Drivers on an access ramp must yield to vehicles traveling on the exit ramp. However, vehicles that are getting onto a highway must yield to all traffic coming up behind them. Construction vehicles and emergency vehicles: Vehicles must always yield the right of way to construction vehicles, construction workers, and emergency vehicles. Failing to yield to the right of way increases the risks of vehicles colliding with other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. That is why a rider or driver should never assume the other drivers understand these right of way rules and should always check before proceeding with a turn or a merge.