While driving around Phoenix, Arizona, and cautiously observing other drivers. I am astounded by the number of cars that don't remember, know or care about the basic traffic rule of thumb (and law - see below), that drivers as must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. Violations of this traffic safety rule result in frequent car crashes, especially at uncontrolled intersections on Arizona residential roads. The applicable Arizona statute is as follows:

Arizona Revised Statute 28-771. Vehicle at intersection; exception; entering freeway

When two vehicles enter or approach an intersection from different streets or highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. This subsection does not apply to vehicles approaching or entering an uncontrolled "T" intersection if the vehicle on the left is on a continuing street or highway and the vehicle on the right is on the terminating street or highway. The vehicle on the terminating street or highway shall yield to the vehicle on the continuing street or highway.

So, unless you are at a light, entering a freeway, approaching an uncontrolled "T" intersection or an intersection with a terminating street, remember to yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

Jay Ciulla is a lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona who represents people in auto accident, personal injury and wrongful death cases. His pet peeve of the day is drivers who don't yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. Call The Ciulla Law Firm, PLLC, for a free consultation (602) 495-0053.