Four-way stops--Just wait your turn!

Meg Ivey, Guest Writer

There are some things in life I simply do not understand. I don’t understand the complicated symbolism in Moby Dick. I don’t understand anything about cell division. I don’t understand why it won’t snow so that we can get out of school.
But one of the questions I find most perplexing is one I thought to be a simple principle. What is so complicated about a four-way stop?

Although I have only been driving for two years, the concept of a four-way stop seems to be fairly easy. Whoever gets to the stop sign first has the right of way.
The other cars should simply wait until it is their turn to go. However, this is not how it generally works. I am not saying that all drivers go out of turn. However, most times when I am waiting for my turn, cars will simply go.

It’s not because it’s their turn. They just want to go whenever they feel like it.
In order to help those who have some trouble at a four-way stop, I have devised a short but helpful list so you may remember how it works.

1. Whoever arrives first, goes first.
2. Unless there are no others cars within a 100-foot radius of the stop sign, it is not your turn if the car in front of you has just gone. You much wait until all other sides have gone before you should go.
   
3. Most importantly: Just because you want to go doesn’t mean you get to go. It is not a matter of who wants it most gets it.

I understand that not everyone breaks the rules of four-way stops.
Most people follow the proper etiquette for a four-way stop, and I applaud those who do.

This page created for web by: Melanie Jones

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