What does the term “right of way” refer to?

The term "right of way" refers specifically to the priority of passage on the road. It indicates which vehicle or pedestrian has the legal privilege to proceed first in a situation where two or more paths intersect, such as at intersections or crosswalks. Understanding the right of way is crucial for safe driving, as it helps to prevent accidents by clarifying expectations between drivers and road users. When one party has the right of way, others must yield, ensuring smooth traffic flow and reducing conflicts on the road.

The other options address different aspects of road usage, like passing rules, speed regulations, or merging protocols, but they do not pertain to the concept of who has priority to navigate through a shared space on the road.