You pull up to an all-way stop at almost the exact same time as another driver. Who goes first? What if there are three cars waiting – or if the car across from you is turning left? These everyday situations can create confusion, hesitation, and potentially dangerous mistakes.
Despite the confusion they can sometimes cause, all-way stops – also called 4-way stops – can make intersections safer. According to a recent NCDOT press release, NCDOT crash data shows that all-way stops “reduce total crashes by 55%, fatal and serious injury crashes by 92%, and frontal-impact crashes with minor injuries by 72%.”
Fortunately, the rules for navigating an all-way stop are fairly straightforward once you know them. The infographic below breaks down some common scenarios and explains who should go first so you can approach your next intersection with greater confidence.
Key Takeaways About All-Way Stops in North Carolina
- The first car to an all-way stop intersection has the right of way over cars that arrive later.
- When two or more cars reach an intersection at the same time, the car to the right has the right of way.
- The car with the right of way may move straight ahead or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right.
- When two facing cars arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time, both may proceed straight or turn right. If one driver is going straight and the other wants to turn left, the driver turning left must yield.
- Even when you have the right of way, use appropriate turn signals and watch carefully for other vehicles and pedestrians. Be mindful that a turn signal (or lack thereof) does not always mean that is the direction the car is going-the driver may have just forgotten to turn their signal on or off.
Infographic: Rules for All-Way Stops in North Carolina
As a North Carolina car accident attorney, I have helped many people who have been injured in auto accidents – and some of those wrecks occurred at all-way stops. I encourage you to read and share the following infographic on the driving rules for 4-way stops in North Carolina. And remember: When in doubt, prioritize safety over being first through the intersection.
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