The 411 on four-way stops
There are multiple four-way stop intersections in the city and they are easy enough to maneuver however, in recent times, they have become the cause for confrontation and frustration among motorists.
POLOKWANE – Here’s a quick catch-up on the road rules regarding four-way stops.
1. When you approach a four-way stop, whether it’s at a traffic light or stop sign, it’s important to slow down and come to a complete stand-still. Look around to see if there are any other cars stopped around you or any vehicles coming up to the four-way stop.
2. It’s important to make sure that you have come to a complete stop within the indicated lines on the road. You can move forward if you have trouble seeing, but only after you’ve come to a complete stop. Failing to do so could result in a traffic fine.
3. If you’re the only motorist at the stop, then you have the right of way and may proceed. Remember this golden rule: vehicles leave the stop sign or traffic light in the same order in which they arrived at the stop. Therefore, if you arrive at a four-way stop first, then you get to drive away first. If you’re the last motorist to arrive at the stop, then you will have to wait until the other three vehicles have driven away before you can do the same.
4. There are times when vehicles will arrive at a four-way stop at the same time. When this occurs, it’s important to know which vehicle has the right of way. The vehicle furthest to the right is allowed to go first. Though this is the appropriate and legal method, there are still motorists who do not always follow this rule. To avoid accidents, you may choose to wait a few seconds before moving forward. After all, just because it’s technically you’re turn to go, it does not necessarily mean the other vehicles will allow you to do so.
riana@nmgroup.co.za
