RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Transportation will be
modifying the intersection of Fanny Brown Road and Banks Road in southern Wake
County to an all-way stop on February 22, weather permitting. Portable message
boards letting motorists know about the change are being put in place today.
The intersection, located between U.S. 401 and
Old Stage Road, currently requires vehicles on Banks Road to stop, while those
using Fanny Brown Road can travel through without stopping. Banks Road comes
into Fanny Brown Road at an angle from the east side.
About two years ago, safety improvements made
at the intersection included the installation of additional traffic signs and
stop bar lane markings, as well as the cutting back of vegetation to make the
intersection more visible for motorists. However, it has since been determined
an additional safety upgrade was needed. An investigation of the intersection
shows there has been 17 reported crashes (12 angle type collisions) over the
last five years.
Traffic volume at the intersection does not
meet minimum criteria for a traffic signal, so the all-way stop is the most
appropriate means to improve safety at this location.
The message signs alerting drivers of the
changes will remain there for a few weeks as a reminder.
On four-way stops, drivers are advised to follow
these right-of-way rules:
- The
first vehicle to the intersection has the right of way ahead of any
vehicle that has not yet arrived;
- When
two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle
to the right has the right of way;
- The
vehicle with the right of way may move straight ahead or, if legal and
after signaling, turn left or right;
- When
two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, both
drivers can move straight ahead or turn right. If one driver is going straight
while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must
yield. The driver who is traveling straight ahead has the right of way;
and
- Even
with the right of way, remember to use the appropriate turn signals and be
careful to avoid hitting other vehicles.
For more information on navigating
intersections, consult the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. To get a
copy, call 1-877-368-4968 (DOT-4YOU) or visit www.ncdot.gov/dmv/driver_services/drivershandbook.
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NCDOT ***