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4-way stop rules reviewed
GREENCASTLE -- With the installation of the four-way stop at State Road 240 and Percy Julian Dr./Zinc Mill Rd. on Wednesday, there has been some confusion among motorists over how to proceed at the stop.
Some have commented that the intersection is almost like an eight-way stop, with turn lanes coming from each of the four directions.
However, the basic rules of four-way stops apply, regardless of the number of lanes.
The Greencastle Police Department would like to remind the public of the rules of four-way stops.
GPD Chief Tom Sutherlin said the first thing to remember is pretty basic: you need to stop.
"First of all, all drivers must come to a complete stop meaning all four tires must stop moving," Sutherlin said.
From there, intersections first of all operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
"Generally speaking the first one to arrive at the stop sign has the right-of-way to proceed first," Sutherlin said.
The confusion comes when drivers arrive at the same time. It's all a matter of position.
"If two drivers stop at the stop sign at the same time then the driver on the right proceeds first. If more than two drivers stop at the same time, then the driver on the farthest right proceeds first," Sutherlin said.
And, of course, with left turns crossing the most lanes of traffic, they always yield the right of way to other drivers arriving at the same time.
"Regarding the left turns, the drivers proceeding straight ahead would have the right-of-way over the drivers turning left," Sutherlin concluded.