Navigating a four-way stop intersection requires understanding a fundamental principle of traffic flow: yielding to the vehicle that arrived first. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle to the right has precedence. This principle extends to multiple vehicles; the first to arrive proceeds first, followed by the others in a clockwise rotation, resolving any simultaneous arrivals by yielding to the right. For example, if two vehicles arrive at the same time and are opposite each other, both yield to vehicles on their right. This creates an orderly flow, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth passage for all.
Adherence to this standard practice is essential for road safety. A clear understanding prevents confusion and hesitations that could lead to accidents. This system, developed to manage intersecting traffic flows where signal lights are impractical or unnecessary, helps streamline traffic movement in residential areas and other locations with lower traffic volumes. By promoting predictability, it reduces the risk of collisions and enhances overall traffic flow efficiency.
