Who has the absolute right of way?

Pedestrians using a guide dog or white cane have the absolute right of way because they are considered among the most vulnerable road users. The law recognizes that individuals with visual impairments rely on their guide dogs or white canes to navigate safely and understand their surroundings. To ensure their safety, drivers are legally required to yield to these pedestrians regardless of other traffic conditions or signals. This prioritization is in place to provide necessary protection for those who may have diminished ability to detect potential hazards.

In contrast, while other road users like motorcyclists, drivers turning left, and emergency vehicles have specific rights of way under various circumstances, they do not hold the same level of priority as pedestrians with guide dogs or white canes. Emergency vehicles, for instance, require drivers to yield under certain conditions, but this does not supersede the rights of more vulnerable pedestrians. Similarly, motorcyclists and turning drivers must follow standard traffic regulations that apply to all vehicles, which do not grant them absolute priority over pedestrians.