The Four-Way Stop Standoff
I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but my neighborhood is rife with four-way traffic stops. This means that an intersection will present a stop sign for every passageway.
The principle is only effective when accompanied by courtesy. In theory, the first person to arrive at the intersection will be the first person to go through. They are then followed by the second, third and fourth vehicles that are present.
But I have witnessed an alarming trend. The first driver to arrive does not proceed. Rather, they sit idly behind the wheel waving the subsequent drivers through. Perhaps they think they are being kind – even charitable. The intention might be good. But I have news…you are not the judge and jury and you may not re-write the rules for the four-way stop.
It’s a real shame that commuting adults have such limited means of communication. A middle finger, twisted expression and blaring horn is all most of us are equipped with. If I could have a conversation with these four-way stop outlaws, it would go something like this.
ME: Hi. You arrived at the intersection first. Please go.
THEM: Oh, that’s OK. You can go first.
ME: Nah, thanks anyway. You were here first. I insist.
THEM: Well I was just trying to be nice.
ME: I understand and appreciate your kind heartedness. However, your act of ‘kindness’ rewrites the four-way stop concept.
THEM: (speechless)
ME: I know you mean well, but by waving me through, you create a moment of indecision. You also are controlling the flow of traffic. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe you have the training or authority to do that.
THEM: How dare you –
ME: No, how dare you! The concept is simple; first come, first serve. So next time you attempt to wave me through when I arrive after you, I will just sit there.
At this point, things get physical and ME and THEM slug it out.
Do you understand where I’m coming from, dear reader? If not, that might just be me you’re having a four-way stop standoff with at the intersection of Maple and Main.
What do you think?