What is the purpose of the "right-of-way" rule?

The purpose of the "right-of-way" rule is to establish who has the priority to proceed at an intersection. This regulation is crucial for maintaining order and safety on the road. When drivers understand who has the right-of-way, it significantly reduces the risk of collisions and confusion at intersections.

In practical terms, the right-of-way is about giving either the vehicle or pedestrian the priority to move forward, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic. For example, at a four-way stop, the rule determines the order in which vehicles should proceed, based on which vehicle arrived first or if there are other specific traffic signals that apply.

The other options do not accurately capture this essential function of the right-of-way rule. Allowing all drivers to proceed simultaneously would lead to chaos and potential accidents. The right-of-way does not pertain to speeding, which is governed by different traffic regulations focused on safe driving speeds. Similarly, while turn signals are important for indicating intentions, they are not directly related to determining the priority of movement at intersections. Thus, the right-of-way rule is fundamentally about establishing clear priorities so that drivers can navigate intersections safely and effectively.