When does a ‘Stop’ sign become a suggestion?
By bounce58
@bounce58 (17385)
Canada
March 15, 2010 3:08pm CST
On my way to work today, I passed through a residential area. It was mainly so I could avoid the regular rush on the main roads. One of the intersections I had to go through is a 4-way stop. As I was approaching the corner, I saw another car on the adjacent lane just about to reach the corner too. Of course I came to a complete stop, and after which I went on to cross the intersection.
Unfortunately, the other car merely slowed down, and still proceeded to cross the intersection. Granted that he or she was in a bigger road, still the sign on the side of the road made me expect that she would also come to a complete stop.
Thankfully, my brakes were working properly, and my middle finger was still automatic, making me avoid any untoward incident.
I know this may be a redundant question, but what are your experiences about 4-way stops lately? Does the sign ever become a suggestion?
2 people like this
6 responses
@stealthy (8181)
• United States
15 Mar 10
They are never a suggestion. Every car should come to a complete stop no matter what. First car there should be the first car to go. If two cars on intercepting streets arrive at the same time, then the car on the right has the right of way and should be allowed to go first. The other car in your scenario was in the wrong.
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17385)
• Canada
16 Mar 10
Yes, he (or she) was definitely on the wrong. I was just surprised that she didn't know the rules of the road. Maybe she is just a new driver or something. Maybe he/she was such in a hurry because he/she had to use the washroom right away.
In any case, I had the international road courtesy salute(finger) right away. And I must have honked my horn too!
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
16 Mar 10
Stop signs became a suggestion around the same time that turn signals became optional equipment!
@cream97 (29086)
• United States
15 Mar 10
Hi, bounce58. These type of signs leave me very confused. I know that my husband has told me a few times that whomever had stopped first has the right of way and that they are supposed to go first. It is a stop sign, but a confusing one as well. Many people that are experienced licensed drivers still have a problem with this. It is just like that. Many people just get mixed up on whom is supposed to go first and then last. It is like an suggestion because driver's are telling each other whom turn it is to go or not. And this in my book is very scary..
They should change up this sign to make it less confusing to experienced and inexperienced drivers.
They should change up this sign to make it less confusing to experienced and inexperienced drivers.@bounce58 (17385)
• Canada
16 Mar 10
Hi cream97. I see what you're saying. To some this could be confusing sometimes. Specially if two drivers get to the stop sign simultaneously. For me, I think it's just to make all drivers at intersection to look at other drivers, and acknowledge each other. And by doing that they could decide who can go first through the intersection. Communication with no words.
@celticeagle (168369)
• Boise, Idaho
16 Mar 10
Out here in the toolies where I live it is called a 'california stop'. I live in the northwest and out here the law reads that if you are going to turn right and the right is red you can go ahead and turn. This has caused alot of problems too. I see what you are saying. A four way stop is just that but I think people who drive the same back streets every day just aren't as apt to follow the laws. The law doesn't apply to them.
@celticeagle (168369)
• Boise, Idaho
17 Mar 10
In my part of the country these 'tourists' we call 'flatlanders'.
@bounce58 (17385)
• Canada
16 Mar 10
Haha! That's one way to look at it! Maybe it doesn't apply to people who drive the same back streets. As I was obviously a 'tourist' on these back streets in my attempt to avoid the regular traffic in the mainroad.
Thanks celticeagle! That made laugh.
1 person likes this
@canesfan1964 (544)
• United States
16 Mar 10
Didn't you know that 4-way stops were designed so that smart people like us can give half a peace sign on a continual basis? LOL!!!
@bounce58 (17385)
• Canada
17 Mar 10
I guess 4-way signs on backroads are a means for us drivers to police ourselves, as there is always no cop around.
It could also be a means to let off steam through middle-finger-peace-signs, rather than deal with road rage on main roads.
Thanks hofferp!
