A Civil Society?
Four-way stop signs may be the most accurate reflection of our society’s civility.
When I drive in San Francisco, I go out of my way to avoid traffic lights, which offer false security. Given the reluctance of police officers to issue moving violations (apparently because they have to appear in court to testify), and the resulting epidemic of scofflaws running red lights, a green light is not adequate protection for drivers or pedestrians. If I were teaching a child to cross a busy street, I would emphasize the importance of looking both ways with care before stepping off the curb, notwithstanding the crosswalk and a walk/don’t walk signal.
An intersection with four stop signs, on the other hand, provides much greater potential for safety. Drivers and pedestrians still need to look both ways, and be aware that some don’t respect the signs, but the overall pace is much slower and more manageable. Once cars have stopped, there is an opportunity for all to demonstrate their desire to respect others. First, pedestrians have the right-of-way, though the best policy is to make sure the driver(s) have seen you. It’s best to get eye contact whenever possible.
The general rule for drivers is first come, first served. When two cars arrive at an intersection simultaneously, the car on the right has the right of way. It gets a little more complicated when one or more drivers are (hopefully!) signaling a left-turn. This is another instance when eye contact is essential, ideally accompanied by hand signals.
Some may be surprised to learn that a majority of drivers obey these requirements, and many are courteous in allowing other drivers to go first, even when they may technically have the right-of-way. Of course, there are always a few who are either ignorant of the rules or don’t care. But the pace is slow enough that even an accident is likely to be minor, unless a reckless driver is speeding through the intersection. Fortunately, this is rare, and an observant driver can see someone driving so fast that they are not likely to stop.
To repeat: four- way stop signs are an accurate sign of the civility of our society. As someone who has been driving regularly in San Francisco, I am pleased to report that we live in a more civil society than you might think if you are one who prefers to drive on streets that are regulated by traffic lights. If the police decide to actually enforce red light laws, that might change. I’m not holding my breath.