What does the term “right-of-way” mean?

The term "right-of-way" refers to the legal right of a vehicle or pedestrian to proceed first in a given situation on the road. Understanding right-of-way rules is essential for ensuring safety in various traffic scenarios, such as at intersections, crosswalks, and on merging roadways. For instance, pedestrians generally have the right-of-way at crosswalks, while vehicles must yield to them. Similarly, at four-way stops, the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right-of-way, assuming it is safe to proceed.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately define "right-of-way." The ability to drive quickly does not relate to who has the legal priority in traffic. The order of vehicles at a traffic light is determined by traffic signals and rules rather than a right-of-way concept. Similarly, a suggestion for safe driving is more about best practices rather than the legal right of one party to proceed over another.