In Argentina, pedestrians and cyclists have priority on public roads, according to current regulations. A new survey of Road Observatory CECAITRAthe Chamber that brings together road software production companies, shows that the majority of drivers know the priority rules, although there are still doubts in everyday traffic situations.
In addition to the elements that regulate traffic – such as traffic lights, traffic signs or light and sound devices – there are basic rules that all motorists must respect when going out on the street. For this reason, CECAITRA carried out a survey in homes across the country to measure the level of knowledge about traffic priorities.
What the CECAITRA survey revealed
The first question was: “Who has the right of way on a corner of two streets of equal hierarchy without traffic lights?”.
He 78% of respondents answered correctly that priority corresponds to those who circulate on the right; 12% incorrectly said that those driving on the left had it, and the rest did not choose any option.
Then it was asked: “When a car and a bicycle are traveling in the same direction and the motorist wants to turn left, who should stop and yield?”.
He 70% answered correctly that the motorist must brake; 20% considered that the cyclist should do it, and 10% did not know how to answer. That is to say, 7 out of 10 drivers know the road regulations in these types of situations.
What the law says about passage priorities
He Article 41 of the National Traffic Law No. 24,449 establishes that every driver must always give way at crossroads to anyone crossing from their right.
This priority is absolute and is only lost in the event of specific signage, railway vehicles, public emergency services on mission, vehicles traveling on a semi-highway or pedestrians lawfully crossing the road.
Subsection g of the same article adds that priority is also lost when driving blood-powered vehicles, such as bicycles.
Finally, the survey asked: “Who has priority on roundabouts?”.
He 65% answered correctly that “whoever is already circulating inside the roundabout has it”, 30% said “whoever arrives first” and the rest did not choose the option.
Article 43 of the law indicates that “In a roundabout, the circulation around it will be uninterrupted without stops, leaving the central area on the left. The one who circulates through it has priority of passage over the one trying to enter.”.
Awareness and respect to avoid road accidents
“It is essential that drivers know the traffic rules, but even more important is that they obey them. Beyond the different priority rules, you must go out into the street knowing that pedestrians and cyclists always have the right of way, as they are the most vulnerable actors.“, he highlighted Facundo Jaimespokesperson for the Road Observatory.
“Knowing priorities becomes an essential tool to avoid accidents. At CECAITRA we encourage drivers with road awareness, who take to the streets with respect, attention and responsibility. Our lives and the lives of others are in danger if we do not drive properly and safely.”Jaime concluded.
