Civilization

When Jack and I were walking this morning I got a very fine example of what civilization means: a four-way stop. At a four-way stop the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right of way. When two vehicles arrive at the same time the following rules apply

  1. Always yield to the right
  2. Straight traffic takes the right of way over turning traffic
  3. Right turns take the right of way over left turns

So long as everybody knows the rules and by and large complies with them, traffic can proceed safely and quickly. Note that has two components: general compliance with the rules and the expectation of compliance. These rules aren’t laws of nature. They are rules that allow us to drive safely and quickly.

2 comments… add one
  • Larry Link

    The rules have changed, more changes to come i suspect!!

  • Grey Shambler Link

    The first rule is that he who arrives at the four way stop first, goes first.
    This works well until some selfless soul decides to magnanimously offer up his turn to another driver with a wave of the hand and a smile.
    Disastrous
    Everyone else is now unsure of their place in the queue . Pauses and false starts ensue, hand waving, you go, no! You!
    Luckily, the rhythm resumes in time and the process continues.
    Roundabouts are another thing.
    When first introduced people were cautious and a bit unsure but after a little practice they began to realize that the game could be won by racing to enter the roundabout first, as that is the only rule of right of way.
    Accelerating with a foot poised over the brake and playing chicken with traffic is good strategy for aggressive drivers.
    But for large trucks that can’t stop on a dime, the tactic turns the roundabouts into four way stops.
    Drivers learn and so at sight of an approaching truck accelerate faster into its path knowing the driver will stop and wait.
    Driving would actually be fun if it weren’t for people.

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