Common Yielding Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Mountain Mojo Group
- May 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 6
Yielding Can Save a Life—But Are You Doing It Right?
Whether you’re approaching a roundabout, turning at a stop sign, or crossing a shared-use path, how you yield matters.
Yet many of us are unsure when and how to yield—especially in complex areas like downtown, school zones, or multi-use crossings.
So here’s the question: Who do you yield to—as a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian?
In Flagstaff, yielding plays an even bigger role because of our mix of residential streets, trail crossings, school zones, and shared-use paths. From Milton Road to the FUTS trail, knowing how to yield can make the difference between a safe crossing and a close call.
This guide walks through the most common yielding mistakes we see in Flagstaff—and how we can all do better. Because when we yield correctly, we create safer, smoother, more respectful streets for everyone.
Yielding 101 — What It Really Means
Yielding means giving the right-of-way. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s a way to prevent crashes, protect lives, and create a more predictable flow of traffic.
Here’s what yielding looks like:
Drivers yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and to traffic already in a roundabout.
Cyclists yield at intersections, especially when entering roadways or multi-use paths.
Pedestrians yield when crossing outside of marked or signaled crossings.
Yielding is about more than rules—it’s a sign of awareness and courtesy. When we all take a moment to yield, we reduce confusion, frustration, and risk.
3 Common Yielding Mistakes We See Around Town
1. Not Yielding to Pedestrians at Crosswalks
Drivers often roll through crosswalks or stop too far forward. When this happens, pedestrians are forced to wait—or worse, navigate around a vehicle in their path. In school zones or neighborhoods with limited visibility, even a slow-rolling vehicle can pose a serious threat.
Did You Know? While pedestrian crashes account for just 1.5% of all traffic incidents in the Flagstaff region, they make up 28.1% of fatal crashes.
If a pedestrian is waiting at the curb or stepping into the crosswalk, it’s time to stop.
2. Entering Roundabouts Without Waiting for a Gap
Roundabouts are one of the most effective tools for creating safer intersections—but only when drivers know how to use them. The most common mistake? Entering without yielding to traffic already in the circle.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, you should never merge into a roundabout. The right-of-way belongs to vehicles already circulating. That means slowing down to 10–15 mph as you approach, looking to your left, and waiting for a safe gap before entering, especially when larger vehicles or emergency responders are present.
Studies from Arizona State University show that converting intersections to roundabouts can reduce injury rates by 16% annually. Locally, projects like the upcoming Fourth Street and Cedar Avenue roundabout aim to improve safety with slower speeds and pedestrian-friendly design.
Approach slowly. Look left. Enter only when it's clear.
3. Failing to Stop Fully at Stop Sign Intersections
A rolling stop is not a yield. Many crashes—and close calls—happen because drivers barely slow down. Rear-end collisions account for nearly 40% of all intersection accidents in Arizona, often caused by inconsistent or incomplete stops.
A full stop means pausing completely, checking both directions, and proceeding only when safe.
How to Get It Right
Yielding doesn’t require perfection, but it does take intention. Here’s how each of us can improve the way we share the road.
For Drivers
Even a small moment of awareness can prevent a serious incident. Take these steps each time you approach an intersection or crosswalk:
Slow down early. Give yourself time to see what’s ahead.
Enter roundabouts in the correct lane. Think ahead. Enter the left lane if you are turning left. Enter the right lane if you intend to turn right or proceed straight.
Scan both sides. Don’t just look straight ahead.
Yield with intention. Don’t inch forward or hesitate—commit to the stop or yield fully.
Flagstaff’s streets serve drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Clear yielding behavior helps reduce confusion and keeps everyone safer.
For Cyclists
When you ride predictably, others can respond more safely. Keep these habits in mind:
Signal your intentions. Let drivers and other riders know when you’re turning or stopping.
Yield at intersections. Even if you’re in a bike lane, watch for vehicles and pedestrians.
Take the lane before entering a roundabout. Give yourself plenty of time to merge and take the lane. This protects you by discouraging drivers from trying to overtake you inside the roundabout. Remember to proceed right into the bike lane when exiting the roundabout.
Some riders assume bike lanes always mean drivers will yield, but many drivers aren’t expecting a cyclist at crossings or driveways. Make yourself visible and always be ready to stop.
For Pedestrians
Yes, you have the right-of-way at crosswalks—but staying alert helps protect you, too.
Know your rights—but stay alert. If you’re in a marked crosswalk, drivers must yield.
Make eye contact. Confirm the driver sees you before crossing.
Over 27% of trips in Flagstaff are made by walking, rolling, or biking. Our high rate of active transportation means yielding behavior affects a large share of daily travelers.
Let’s Yield for a Safer, Greater Flagstaff
Every time you yield, you’re making the road safer—not just for yourself but also for your neighbors.
It only takes a few seconds to build trust on the road. Let’s set the example—and pass these habits on to new drivers, riders, and young pedestrians.
MetroPlan is here to support better habits and safer infrastructure.
This involves collaborating with local partners to enhance intersection design, expand bike and pedestrian networks, and invest in projects that improve road safety for all. It also means sharing information you can use—like this blog—to build a culture of awareness and shared responsibility.
Yielding may feel like a small act, but over time, it helps shape community norms. When more people follow the rules, we see fewer conflicts, safer intersections, and a stronger sense of shared responsibility on our streets.
Every improvement starts with a choice: to slow down, to look twice, to yield when it matters. When we each do our part, those choices add up.
Together, we can build a Greater Flagstaff that’s safer, smarter, and more connected.
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