Two vehicles approach an intersection from opposite directions. Both are required to stop. One arrives shortly before the other and signals to turn left. The other arrives seconds later and intends to continue straight. There is no cross traffic.
Which vehicle has the right of way?
The vehicle going straight has the right of way. The one turning left should yield.
Whichever stopped first has the right-of-way.
Which vehicle was yours?
I was simply an observer. But I find that many (most) people do not seem to know, or at least do not seem to observe the law.
What do others think?
agree w/A
I agree that the vehicle that stopped first has the right of way.
I think it’s true that the one who stops first has the right of way, but normally, someone who is turning left has to wait for the person who is going straight. At least I would. So I wonder…. Time to get out the old manual, I suppose.
I think that whoever stops first has the right of way. That said in that situation I will usually yield my right of way with a hand gesture. Getting to work, or home, 10 seconds earlier is not that important.
The variant of this that I see more often is the cross street to a highway. The first car comes to the intersection wanting to make a left. A minute later a car comes from the other direction wanting to go straight. After a minute a gap opens up in the traffic.
First car to stop
I eventually will go to jail over 4 way stops. There will come a day when I snap, attacking someone right in the middle of the street.
I do not understand what’s so complicated about them and am driven to distraction by drivers turning them — improbably — into 6- or 7-way stops. The problem is people being too damned courteous and — sorry about this, Bob — yielding the right-of-way. That slows the whole thing down and confuses everyone about what comes next.
When I was a kid I remember being mesmerized by a complicated set of 4-way stops where two divided, four-lane highways came together. I watched for an hour as the traffic moved smoothly through, as if in a dance. It was beautiful to watch.
I haven’t seen anything like that in years, and it’s because people are too nice. Some day I’m going to get out of my car and hit someone, and then I will go to jail. Take the right-of-way and get the hell out of the way. The most polite thing you can do is keep the machine moving smoothly so everyone gets through quickly.
I need to go take my medication.
When you’re arrested Tom, make me your one call and I will bail you out.
First to stop, first to advance. If stopping simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on your right.
Simple, but then so are a lot of drivers.