What does the term "right of way" refer to?

The term "right of way" refers to the legal right to proceed before others in traffic situations. This concept is critical for maintaining safety and order on roadways. When you have the right of way, it means that other drivers and pedestrians must yield to you, allowing you to proceed without the need to stop or slow down.

Understanding right of way rules helps drivers anticipate the actions of others on the road, reducing the likelihood of accidents. For example, at intersections, there are specific rules that dictate who has the right of way based on traffic signs, signals, and the layout of the intersection. By adhering to these rules, all road users can navigate safely and efficiently.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define "right of way." Driving as fast as possible is not related to yielding or traffic rights; heavy vehicles having preference is not a general rule across all driving situations and can depend on context; and merging onto a highway involves different principles related to safe entry and merging procedures rather than right of way itself.