Yielding the right-of-way to traffic is of the utmost importance, particularly when drivers are attempting to cross or turn at an intersection. A tragic car accident in Hermitage last week left a woman dead after three cars collided. The woman was being driven by her niece to a non-urgent doctor's appointment, reports say.

The crash happened last week near the entrance to Summit Hospital at the intersection of Old Hickory Boulevard and First Boulevard, according to News Channel 5's website.

The woman's 22-year-old niece was driving a Pontiac Grand Prix as the woman rode in the front passenger seat. Her niece apparently attempted to turn left across traffic without yielding the right-of-way. As a result, an Audi hit their vehicle on the passenger side. The Grand Prix then flipped over onto its side and collided with an SUV. The vehicle ultimately came to rest on its top.

The 42-year-old woman had to be extricated from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police closed down the road while the wreckage was cleared.

The niece suffered only minor injuries. A total of seven other people were involved in the crash, but none of them sustained injuries, according to News Channel 5.

A Metro Police spokesperson says the niece "took a chance" by cutting across traffic. He added that the woman's medical appointment was not an emergency situation. It's possible that charges could be filed.

Remember: When in doubt, it's best to drive cautiously.

Source: News Channel 5, "Victim killed in Hermitage crash identified," Feb. 8, 2012