Intersections are where most new drivers feel the pressure hit hardest. There's a lot going on at once — lights, signs, other cars, cyclists, pedestrians — and the expectation to make a quick decision.

The good news is that intersections follow rules, and once you understand what type you're at, the right move becomes a lot clearer.

Know Your Right-of-Way Rules Cold

Right of way tells you who goes first. At a four-way stop, it's the car that arrived first. If two cars arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first. At a T-intersection, traffic on the through road always has priority over the car coming off the side road. Y-intersections work similarly — the major road wins. These aren't suggestions; they're how you avoid getting hit or causing a collision.

Roundabouts: Yield Before You Enter

A lot of new drivers hesitate at roundabouts because the flow isn't immediately obvious. The rule is simple: drivers already inside the circle have the right of way. You yield before you enter, wait for a clear gap, and then merge in counter-clockwise. Don't stop inside the roundabout unless you absolutely have to — keep moving at a consistent, slow speed.

Green Light Doesn't Always Mean Go Immediately

This one catches people off guard. When a light turns green, wait a beat before moving. Look left and right first. Some drivers run red lights — it happens more than it should — and the car that got a green signal doesn't always escape the impact. That one-second pause every time a light changes can genuinely protect you.

Always Check for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks. Period. Even if the walk signal is counting down, someone might still be mid-crossing. Before you turn at any intersection, check the crosswalk in your intended direction. Cyclists can also move faster than expected and may approach from an angle that's easy to miss. These are the road users most likely to be outside your line of sight, so always scan deliberately.

Don't Let Other Drivers Rush You

Someone behind you honking doesn't mean you're wrong to wait. If you're not sure the intersection is clear, you don't go. Rushing a left turn across oncoming traffic because someone tapped their horn is how accidents happen. Hold your position, assess the situation yourself, and move only when you're confident it's safe.

Intersections get easier with repetition. The more you practice reading them — who's there, who has priority, what the road ahead looks like — the faster your instincts develop.