Beyond helping an injured pedestrian to determine liability in a pedestrian accident claim, right-of-way laws are typically a standard set of rules that help to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Here is a look at the responsibilities of a driver in certain scenarios, as provided by DefensiveDriving.org: Turning right on the green arrow: The right-turning driver has the right-of-way, but only if there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk of the street they are turning. Turning right on a green light: Again, drivers have the right-of-way but must ensure that the crosswalk is clear. (Remember, crosswalks are on all sides of an intersection, even if they’re not marked). Turning right at a red light: The driver does not have the right-of-way and must stop. If the crosswalk is clear and there is an opening in traffic, the driver can complete their turn. Turning left on a green arrow: The driver has the right-of-way but must ensure that the crosswalk is clear, even if the pedestrian signals state “Don’t Walk.” Turning left on a green light: The drivers traveling straight through the intersection from the opposite travel lanes have the right-of-way. When there is a sufficient gap in traffic to complete the turn, the left-turning driver can go, but they must make sure the crosswalk is clear. Driving straight through an area with no intersections: The driver has the right-of-way but must always exercise a duty of care to prevent injuries to pedestrians by traveling within the posted speed limit and looking for pedestrians, particularly in low-light situations.