BOSTIC – A five-leg intersection in Rutherford County is getting a boost in safety.
N.C. Department of Transportation crews have added stop signs and stop lane markings on Bostic Sunshine Highway at the intersection of Andrew Mills, Salem Church and Piney Mountain Church roads. To alert drivers, NCDOT has also installed “New Traffic Pattern” signs and stop ahead signs.
With the traffic change, drivers from each approach must now stop for safety.
This treatment is an effective, low-cost measure that will retain the historic district and buildings in the area.
A five-year study of the intersection revealed 32 reported crashes, including 16 injury crashes. Four of those crashes resulted in serious injuries.
All-way stop installations across North Carolina have dramatically reduced the total number and severity of crashes across the state — saving lives and saving property. All-way stops reduced total crashes by 68%, reduced injury crashes by 77%, and frontal-impact crashes by 75%
NCDOT has additional information about All-Way Stops
online:
What to do at an All-Way Stop
• 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, after coming to a complete stop. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must yield; and
• Even with the right of way, drivers should remember to use appropriate turn signals and watch for pedestrians and other vehicles.