Idaho Continues to Prove They Don’t Know How to Drive

This is a topic that we have written about before. Twice. But Idaho drivers are still having issues with a common driving situation and it’s becoming increasingly dangerous.

We get that you may think you are a great driver, maybe you are. But remember, there are other drivers on the road and some of them will openly admit, and sometimes with a hint of pride, that they are terrible drivers.

What is an Uncontrolled Intersection and Why Don't Idahoans Know How to Use Them

Some Idahoans have issues with simple driving tasks like using a blinker or going the speed limit, so it isn’t a surprise that they don’t understand or follow the more complex rules of the road.

The zipper merge is a highly debated driving tactic that people argue about, despite the rules being clearly written in Idaho driving manuals. What to do at a 4-way stop is another common situation that causes anxiety to many drivers. There are people who will slow down early if another car is coming at the same time just so they don’t have to deal with the awkward moment of deciding who will go first.

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An uncontrolled intersection is the evil big brother of a 4-way stop. At an uncontrolled intersection, you can have traffic coming from 3 or 4 directions with no stop or yield signs. You’re just trusting that the other drivers will be paying attention.

Why Don't Idaho Drivers Know What to Do at an Uncontrolled Intersection

The truth is: drivers are the issue at uncontrolled intersections. Drivers are selfish and entitled. We think we are the center of the universe and always have the right of way. At least at a 4-way stop, the other drivers are supposed to stop. That’s what makes an uncontrolled intersection so dangerous, you aren’t required to stop unless another car is coming at the same time.

You see this kind of intersection a lot in Downtown Twin Falls. So, what do you do in that situation? Keep reading to see what Idaho Law says.

Uncontrolled Intersections: Idahoans Are the Worst at this Driving Skill

It isn’t a complicated rule and it doesn’t matter if one of the roads is a bigger or busier road. Idaho laws are clear and specific on what to do:

49-640. Vehicles approaching or entering unmarked or uncontrolled intersection. (1) When two (2) vehicles approach or enter an unmarked or uncontrolled intersection from different 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.

If the intersection is a 3-way stop, here’s what you do:

At "T" intersections where one (1) highway ends when it meets a second highway not ending at that point of convergence. When two (2) vehicles approach or enter a "T" intersection from different directions at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the highway ending at the intersection shall yield the right of way to the other vehicle.

What if one of the cars entering the intersection wants to turn left and another car is coming from the same direction to go straight?

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection.

So, the simple explanation for what to do at an uncontrolled intersection is:

• If you get there first, you go first.
• If 2 cars get there at the same time, the car to the right has the right of way.
• Cars turning left should yield to oncoming traffic.
• If you are on a road that ends in a 3-way intersection, the road ending should yield to other traffic.

Another rule that isn’t specifically stated is that you have to be paying attention.

RELATED STORY: Here’s How to Properly React At a 4-Way Stop in Idaho