Final answer:
At an open intersection, you must yield the right of way to any vehicles already in the intersection. Traffic signals at intersections help regulate vehicle speed and pedestrian crossing, ultimately improving road safety and reducing accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
At an open intersection, especially if you are the first vehicle to arrive, the correct action is a) You must yield the right of way to any vehicles already in the intersection. This rule ensures the safety of all road users and helps prevent accidents. You should not assume you have the right of way to proceed, signal a left turn without considering other factors, or race through the intersection, as these behaviors can lead to dangerous situations and possible traffic violations.
A traffic signal contributes to road safety by regulating the flow of traffic and giving pedestrians safe opportunities to cross the road. Prior to the installation of traffic signals at problematic intersections, such as the described intersection of Clay Street and Eagle Avenue, there were significant safety issues. Vehicles tended to speed, disregarding the speed limit, and pedestrians had to navigate through traffic to cross, which increased accident rates and even resulted in the loss of life.