GALLERY: Stop signs – When will we learn?
"Regulatory signs regulate and control the actions of road users. They prohibit or command road users to perform certain actions. Failure to obey these signs is an offence and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both." - SA Learner Driver Manual
THE corner of Deputation and Heeren Street was the scene of an accident earlier today, when the driver of a GWM bakkie ‘failed to notice’ the stop sign at the intersection.
According to an officer at the scene, the driver of the GWM bakkie, which was travelling south along Deputation Street, did not observe the regulatory road sign in time and proceeded to collide with a government vehicle, which was travelling down Heeren Street at the time and had right of way at the intersection.
Although both vehicles (and the stop sign) sustained extensive damages in the incident, no injuries were reported.
WikiHow gives a few suggestions on the art of ‘How to stop at a STOP sign:
“A stop sign is used to control traffic and is usually found at road junctions. Stop signs instruct drivers the right of way and to ensure proper notice is taken to avoid accidents. They are a white-on-red octagonal design. When you see one at any corner or junction know that you must come to a complete stop and proceed only if the way ahead is clear.”
Know where and why stop signs are placed. At given intersections, stop signs control the movement of cars, limiting rights-of-way safely. Many roads have physical stop signs and implied stop signs.
- An implied stop sign is when there is no stop sign or indicator on the road, but the driver should know that he or she must make a complete stop there. These include crosswalks, neighbourhood streets, school zones, parking lots and intersections that are not controlled by traffic lights.
For intersections, although there may be stop signs, drivers still must consider right-of-way rules to safely and respectfully cross intersections.
- The driver who stops at the stop sign or stop line first has the right of way amongst all directions.
- Should two or more cars stop at the same time at a stop sign, the car on the right side of the driver has the right of way. However, be aware of who stopped first when letting a right-side driver proceed.
A stop sign means STOP. Do not slow down “just enough.” By law, a stop is when all tires on a vehicle are not moving.
- Stop and look both ways before proceeding. If you cannot see well enough to drive safely, roll forward slowly to expand your view.
- Wait for your right of way and reassure safety for oncoming traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.
