Florida Driver's Handbook 2009

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3. Your Driving

• 3.1. Defensive Driving
• 3.2. Safety Belts
• 3.3. Protecting Children
• 3.4. Speed Limits
• 3.5. Right-of-Way
• 3.6. Pedestrians
• 3.7. School Buses
• 3.8. Making Turns
• 3.9. Passing
• 3.10. Parking
• 3.11. Expressway Driving
• 3.12. Animals
• 3.13. Handling Emergencies
• 3.14. Sharing the Road with a Truck
• 3.15. The "No Zone"
• 3.16. Sharing the Road with a Bicycle
• 3.17. Sharing the Road with a Motorcycle

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Right-of-way

Who has the right-of-way in Florida? The answer is no one! The law only says who must yield (give up) the right-of-way. Every driver, motorcyclist, moped rider, bicyclist and pedestrian must do everything possible to avoid a crash.

Stop Signs

After a complete stop, you must yield the right-of-way to all other traffic and pedestrians at stop signs. Move forward only when the road is clear. At four-way stops, the first vehicle to stop should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Open Intersections

An open intersection is one without traffic control signs or signals. When you enter one, you must yield the right-of-way if:

• A vehicle is already in the intersection.
• You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road.
• You enter a paved road from an unpaved road.
• You plan to make a left turn and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction.

When two cars enter an open intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a circular intersection with no traffic signal which improve traffic flow and reduce traffic crashes. Roundabouts slow vehicle speed, give drivers more time to judge and react to other vehicles or pedestrians. Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already in the circle and are directed in one-way, counterclockwise direction. For multi-lane roundabouts, stay in the left lane to turn left and the right lane to turn right, and all lanes to go through, unless otherwise directed by signs or pavement markings. Stay in your lane within the roundabout and use your right turn signal to indicate your intention to exit.

Prior to entering or exiting the roundabout, drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks. Bicyclists may take the lane in the roundabout, or use the sidewalk.

Safety Rules for Pedestrians

1. Look to the left, right and left for traffic before stepping off any curb.
2. Crosswalks at intersections may be marked or unmarked. Crossing is preferred at intersections or designated crosswalks in the middle of a block. However, pedestrians may cross at other locations if not between adjacent signalized intersections but are required to yield to other traffic.
3. Cross with the green light, "WALK" or “walking man” symbol. Make sure you have enough time to cross. Many locations in Florida have “count-down” pedestrian signals. These indicate the time remaining for the crossing.
4. While walking along a highway, always walk on the shoulder on the left side, facing traffic. Wear reflective and light colored clothing or use a flashlight to make you more visible to drivers at night.

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