How to Be First Off at a 4-Way Stop Sign

Arriving at a 4-way stop sign only to end up staring at the other drivers can be a very frustrating proposition. Inevitably, all four drivers look at each other and start waving for the others to go, then two drivers that are perpendicular to each other start into the intersection only to stop suddenly in order to avoid an accident, which puts us right back to staring at each other in confusion and bewilderment. Someone has to take control of the situation!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A functioning vehicle
• Nerves of steel

1. Apply the brakes as late as possible, ideally just before you reach the 4-way stop sign. The sooner you apply your brakes, the later you arrive at the intersection. If someone flat out beats you to the spot, they are going to get to go first.
2. Stop short of the intersection. Most people stop right at the intersection. Generally whoever stops first at the 4-way stop is recognized as the one who gets to go first. If you stop before you reach the intersection, and another driver stops at the intersection, it will buy you valuable milliseconds that will allow you to leave the intersection first.
3. Roll through the stop. If you do not come to a complete stop, no one else is going to start for fear of a collision, unless they have nerves of steel as well.
4. Wave for no one. Do not ever wave another driver through ahead of you, because, obviously, they will get to go first.

Tips & Warnings

• Disclaimer: eHow is not responsible for any moving violations, accidents or fist fights that you may result because of these instructions. After all, you were the one asking how to be the first one through the 4-way stop sign.