Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Stop, and think: Stopping wisely a key to going safely
Sometimes it’s wise to stop and look around you, even if there isn’t a red light or stop sign. It’s more than just good sense – it may even be mandatory.
When there isn’t a sign
Most
people know the rules when there is a stop sign or red light. But many drivers
don’t realize that stopping is mandatory, even if there isn’t
a stop sign, before they enter a public roadway from:
- A private road
- A back lane
- A parking lot
- A driveway
Stopping at these intersections gives the driver a few extra seconds to check the roadway for vehicle traffic – and, as importantly, to look in both directions for pedestrians. This is critical in the winter when there are snow banks obstructing your view. In the summer months, also be on the lookout for cyclists and skateboarders who may be crossing the vehicle’s path.
"It’s common sense, it’s courteous, it’s safer – and it’s the law," says Manitoba Public Insurance Driver Education Manager Lou Gervino, who appears in The 60-Second Driver each week night on CTV.
Where there is a sign or red light
And when there is a stop sign or red light, don’t forget these important rules:
- Stop before the stop line, if there is none, stop before the sidewalk, or if there isn’t a sidewalk, before entering the intersecting roadway.
- At four-way stops, the first to stop is the first to go. If you arrive at the same time, the car to your right should be given the right of way. And even if you have the right of way, be alert to whether other drivers are yielding to you – don’t be afraid to make eye contact and use (polite) hand gestures to make your intentions clear.
For more information, watch
The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- Stop Signs in Driving Tips
- Mandatory Stops in Driving Tips
- Safe Stopping in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second video on Stop Signs directly
