Four vehicles approach a four-way intersection where the traffic signals have completely failed due to a power outage, requiring all drivers to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. The arrival times and intended directions are as follows:
• Northbound Vehicle 1: Arrived first and came to a complete stop, intending to make a right turn.
• Southbound Vehicle 2: Arrived second, intending to turn left.
• Westbound Vehicle 3: Arrived second at the exact same time as Southbound Vehicle 2, intending to proceed straight.
• Eastbound Vehicle 4: Arrived last after the other three vehicles had already stopped.
In what order must these vehicles proceed through the intersection to adhere to official right-of-way rules?
- 1Northbound Vehicle 1 (Turning right)
- 2Westbound Vehicle 3 (Proceeding straight)
- 3Southbound Vehicle 2 (Turning left)
- 4Eastbound Vehicle 4 (Proceeding straight)
Answer
The correct order of movement through the intersection is Northbound Vehicle 1 first, Westbound Vehicle 3 second, Southbound Vehicle 2 third, and Eastbound Vehicle 4 fourth.
At an intersection with failed traffic signals, all-way stop rules apply. The first vehicle to arrive and stop (Northbound Vehicle 1) proceeds first. When two vehicles arrive simultaneously (Southbound Vehicle 2 and Westbound Vehicle 3), the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right, giving Westbound Vehicle 3 precedence over Southbound Vehicle 2. Vehicles that arrive after others are already stopped (Eastbound Vehicle 4) proceed last.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Right-of-way precedence at inoperative signalized intersections treated as four-way stops