This is an intersection I have to encounter often. I let all cars pass until someone gives a yield signal since I don't know how this works. What is the correct order, assuming there's a car in all 5 spots the car at 1 moves first?
Joined: Aug 02, 2006
Posts: 705
Location: McLean, VA, USA
Posted:
Sun Oct 23, 2011 4:28 pm
Hi akstylish, and welcome.
Well, this is not enough data in your puzzle I would guess. What country are you in? Are there any signs at the intersection? Based on your drawing this is a country where people drive on the right side of the road and generally speaking, in the absence of any road signs, in most countries the "right hand rule" will apply. I.e. you have to yield to the car to the right of you. And everybody else, too.
Thanks for the quick replies! Yes, I live in the U.S. where you drive on the right side. It's a 4-way stop. I'm aware of the right hand rule, but I'm confused because both lanes at the bottom move in the same direction. My best guess is 1-5-4-3-2-5-4-3 but I can't tell for sure.
Joined: Aug 02, 2006
Posts: 705
Location: McLean, VA, USA
Posted:
Tue Oct 25, 2011 12:45 am
Well, if it's a four way stop in the US, then cars just go in the order of arrival, at least in the DC area where I live. I actually know the same intersection in McLean VA, and I am positive this is how people do it on this intersection.
As usual, when in doubt, it's usually wiser to yield and stay safe than to rush and be sorry.
Here in Uk, the rules regarding intersection are as follows:
- The car approaching an intersection must give right of way to the car already in the intersection i.e. traffic in the intersection has the right of way.
- If two cars at an intersection arrive at the same time at a right angle, the car on the left must give right of way to the car on the right side.
Thus, the right hand side traffic has priority in an intersection.
US has the same rules. However, my question came with the assumption that a car in EVERY lane arrived at the stop simultaneously. It will probably never happen in my life, so I'll ask something more realistic: Who goes first in the diagram if 1,2, and 5 come to a stop at once?
Joined: Aug 02, 2006
Posts: 705
Location: McLean, VA, USA
Posted:
Wed Oct 26, 2011 3:41 pm
LOL I remember myself asking similar question over and over, when I just started driving. I am behind the steering wheel for almost 40 years already, and such thing NEVER happened to me.
In real life somebody always arrives a bit earlier. Besides, even if all the cars arrive simultaneously (theoretical highly unlikely case), most of the drivers have at least some common sense and start to communicate with gestures. People are quite proficient in communication, you know
It's a four way stop, right? So in your theoretical scenario all the cars are standing. Even if somebody does not have much common sense and instead of communicating decides to ram through, others have enough time to let him/her through without an accident, so it is really not a big deal. May be confusing, I know, but just don't sweat it too much, it's not worth it.
As for your last question, about 1,2, and 5 arriving all at once - 1 and 2 officially have the right of way over the 5. Between themselves, since 2 continues in the same lane while 1 has to change lanes, 1 has to yield to 2 while on the intersection (assuming 2 is not in the right turn only lane).
The "CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP" sign (W4-4p) is posted on the minor side
streets underneath the stop sign. This is to warn drivers on the minor street
that the traffic crossing the path in front of them does not stop.
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