HSE Road Safety Update: Prevent accidents at intersections: STOP Means STOP

Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on roads when road users ignore STOP signs. Vehicles must come to a complete stop at all marked intersections.

We are observing an issue where drivers roll through STOP signs instead of stopping. This risky behavior has already led to avoidable accidents and serious injuries. We see this issue at stop signs across the campus. Two-way stops are especially challenging because some of the drivers do not have to slow down, making it critical for vehicles at the STOP sign to halt completely before proceeding.

Every time someone fails to stop, they endanger fellow community members. But when we all obey STOP signs, we protect each other. A few seconds of patience can prevent a lifetime of regret.

Stop fully. Every time. For everyone’s safety

• Where a STOP sign is posted or road marking indicates “STOP”, vehicles must come to a full STOP.
• At intersections without STOP or YIELD signs, drivers must treat the intersection as a yield.
• Yield or give way to vehicles already in the intersection and drivers who arrive at the intersection before them.
• Bicyclists are not required to come to a full stop at a STOP sign if there is no other traffic in the vicinity. They must assess the traffic situation while approaching the STOP sign, slow down to a reasonable speed, and ride through only after ensuring their way is clear and it is safe to do so.
• Vehicles are permitted to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop at the intersection and ensuring that there is no approaching traffic, and it is safe to proceed.

For more road safety information, please visit the KAUST Road Safety Code, or contact us at hse@kaust.edu.sa.