HUDSON – Large red octagons should make a big difference for traffic safety in a small Caldwell County town.
N.C. Department of Transportation crews recently converted the intersection of Mt. Herman Road and Freezer Locker Road in Hudson to an all-way stop.
Traffic heading in any direction at this intersection must now make complete stop. This change will improve safety and reduce crashes at this location. There were 16 dangerous frontal crashes during a 10-year study leading to installation of these signs.
Advance warning signs stating “Stop Ahead” and “New Traffic Pattern” have also been installed on this $4,000 project, which is part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities by reducing the potential for crashes and the severity on public roadways.
Drivers approaching a four-way stop should follow these right of way rules:
- The first vehicle at the intersection has the right of way
- When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way and may go straight or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right
- When two facing vehicles approach an intersection simultaneously, 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
- Even with the right of way, drivers should remember to use appropriate turn signals and watch for pedestrians and other vehicles.