I decided to take a break from theology today. I wanted to share my thoughts regarding a useful method regarding stop signs. If you were not aware that a useful "stop sign method" existed, then you are the one who needs to read this post.
I find stop sign dynamics to be very interesting. I can't tell if people are selfish, incompetent or both, but most people don't follow proper stop sign etiquette. To refresh your memory here are the rules:
1. Your car must come to a complete stop before proceeding
2. If two cars arrive at the intersection at exactly the same time, then the car to the right has the right-of-way.
Pretty easy and straight-forward right?
Well, it never works out that way. I want to do the world a favor here and give some helpful information.
First, pay attention! I get the impression that most people drive up to intersections having no idea who got where when. Not knowing who arrived first, they then think to themselves "well, it seems I have been here a few seconds, I must be next". I am guessing that these are the same people who go to busy barbershops - pay no attention to who is already in the chairs waiting, and then jump up to get their haircut after one or two people have gone. There are many drivers and people with fresh haircuts who have fallen victim to my evil glare.
Next, the second rule above is meaningless. It is impossible for two cars to arrive at competing stop signs at "exactly" the same time. Someone ALWAYS arrives first. The chances of two people arriving at exactly the same time are infinitely greater than those of winning the lottery. Not going to happen.
Most people believe that they arrive at their stop sign before the other car arrives at theirs. I know this because in those cases when I know for sure I have arrived first (using the method described below) and then proceed to go in the right order, I sometimes get nasty looks or even the finger. I then quietly laugh inside at their incompetence and wish I could enlighten then with my stop sign method. Somehow, this manifests itself with my screaming "you incompetent boob" through my windshield. (ok, I admit it - I don't say boob).
Here is the best way to determine who arrives first. Have you ever watched a baseball game? Did you ever wonder how an umpire tells if the runner is out or safe on close plays at first base? How can he watch the runner's foot touching the base and the ball going into the glove all at the same time? He can't and he doesn't. Here is the trick. The umpire watches the runner's foot and LISTENS for the ball going into the glove. He then determines if the runner is out or safe depending on which happens first. (BTW, you always hear "a tie goes to the runner" - that always bugs me; there are no ties for the same reason no two cars arrive at stop signs at exactly the same time, but I digress).
What does this have to do with stop signs?
Like an umpire who looks and listens, drivers need to look and FEEL. Everyone needs to watch the wheels of the other car and FEEL their car coming to a complete stop. It becomes very cut and dry - very easy to determine who arrived first when you do this. Watch their wheels - feel yours. Very simple.
On my deathbed I will feel that I have contributed to the world in at least one small way. If just one person reads and applies this, I guarantee that there will be fewer cases of stop sign road rage! The kingdom of God expanded one stop sign at a time.
