Another Perspective: When the Police Car Does Not Use Its Siren

Another opinion considers the scenario where the police car is not honking or using its sirens. In this case, the police car has no special privileges and must follow regular traffic laws, just like any other vehicle.

According to this perspective, the order of vehicles changes because:

1. Cars on the longitudinal road have to give way to cars on the crossroad.
2. Car number 3, which is traveling straight, has the priority to go first.
3. Car number 1, which is turning left, goes next, since it must yield to the vehicle going straight.
4. The police car (without siren) goes last.

In this situation, the police car follows the general rules of yielding and does not receive any special treatment unless it’s actively responding to an emergency.

The Driving Test Rule: Prioritizing the Police Car and Straight Traffic

Some drivers base their decision on the principles they learned during their driving test. These principles emphasize the role of emergency vehicles and straight-moving cars.

According to this viewpoint:

1. The police car (on duty) is the priority vehicle and goes first.
2. Car number 3, which is going straight, follows next.
3. Car number 1, turning left, goes last because left-turning vehicles must yield to straight-moving cars.

This method aligns with the logic of road priority, giving precedence to emergency services and simplifying the order by following common traffic flow rules.

What Happens at an Intersection Without Signs?

At intersections where there are no road signs or traffic lights, drivers must rely on their understanding of equal rights. In such scenarios, the order of vehicles is determined by who arrives at the intersection first and general traffic courtesy.

If there are no traffic lights or signs at the intersection, here’s one possible order based on this principle:

1. The police car, assuming it has its siren on, goes first as it holds the right of way.
2. Car number 1 goes next because it arrived at the intersection before the others.
3. Car number 3 moves last, as it came to the intersection after the other vehicles.

This is an interpretation based on right-of-way principles when there’s no external signal dictating the order of movement.

Conclusion: What’s the Right Answer?

After examining the various opinions and the different principles applied to this scenario, the final answer seems to be:

1. Police car (if on duty) goes first due to its priority as an emergency vehicle.
2. Car number 3, which is traveling straight, follows after the police car.
3. Car number 1, turning left, moves last since left turns generally yield to straight-moving traffic.

This order—police car, car number 3, car number 1—aligns with the majority of traffic laws and logical interpretation of intersection rules. However, it’s important to note that local traffic regulations may vary, so always refer to the specific rules applicable in your area when approaching intersections.

In conclusion, understanding right of way at intersections is critical for road safety, and when a police car is involved, it almost always has the priority to proceed, especially if it’s on duty.