WILSON – Next week, the junction of N.C. 42 and N.C. 581 west of Wilson will become an all-way stop to improve safety.
The N.C. Department of Transportation determined the change was warranted after doing a crash analysis and a field investigation. A curve on N.C. 42 approaching the intersection and traffic congestion associated with a nearby store increase the risk of angled crashes.
Currently, drivers only on N.C. 581 must stop before proceeding when the other highway is clear.
The department has made previous safety improvements at this intersection: N.C. 581 has a flashing red signal, rumble strips and “Stop Ahead” signs. Travelers on N.C. 42 see a “Vehicle Entering When Flashing” warning sign.
The conversion will be made on Wednesday, Aug. 28, if the weather cooperates. Message boards announcing the impending change have gone up already to alert drivers.
As a reminder, drivers approaching an all-way stop should follow these 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; and
- Even with the right of way, drivers should remember to use appropriate turn signals and watch for pedestrians and other vehicles.