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Q: How come stop signs don't exist where I live here?
I haven't seen a stop sign for years! What's with all that. I have to play frogger with the cars just to get across the road.
I never really thought about this, you are right I only see traffic lights. I think the Chinese can't use stop signs because there is no way to tell them they can go after stopping. The sign just says 'Stop'. Too confusing.
Scandinavian:
You could have a "Go when you see no cars" under the stop sign, that would of course need a sign under it saying "look to both sides and forward".... then maybe a sign saying "argh, it's too complicated just go"
Here, the drivers just blare the horn when approaching an intersection that should have stop signs. Of course... none exist. Freaks me out everytime.
It's a sign that says 停 which means stop in Chinese. I've seen them. But I think I'm the only 1 who can read it.
I guess you can't read the Chinese character for "stop"? Well, I see them everywhere in the form of red signs with white characters and outlines, entitled "停."
The triangular yield signs (让) are definitely more common here. Not like any signage is paid any credence anyways...
After nearly two years here, I get the distinct impression the only effective stop sign in the whole of China is the barrel of a type 99 tank.
Good points above and I also in all of my years here have never, ever seen a "stop" sign.
There are no stop signs because drivers are not required to stop at T intersections. Keep this in mind as you make your way up and down the streets of your city.
I suppose that the government has finally developed the good sense to quit wasting money and resources on signs that nobody here would mind anyway. They could also help reduce the stress on the power grid by eliminating the pedestrian crossing signal lights that nobody pays attention to.
Because they don't have stop signs in wacko fantasy land?
When you go out into the boonies in New York state (ie: Amish territory). All intersections become 4 way stops whether they're labeled so or not. They don't have stop signs or traffic lights, but it's implied.. You can get ticketed in Amish areas for simply failing to stop at an intersection that doesn't have any stop lights or stop signs. Also, any failed traffic lights or terribly dangerous road conditions (sleet / hail / etc.) makes intersections become 4 way stops as well. Even if you have a green, you have to stop because you know some idiot is going to hit the brakes too late and go sliding through the intersection.
The same thing is true in China.. All intersections that don't have lights or other traffic control should be treated as a 4-way stop. Stop there, look around, let people that arrived before you go first, and make sure you don't get run over by people who don't know how to drive..
You could always try driving straight through, but that's putting yourself in danger.. There's always somebody on a moto that just drives fulll-speed through these intersections without looking and if you pull out in front of him, you're both going to be road-kill.
Just make sure you pull off on the right a bit if you're going to stop at an interseciton so people behind you that want to put their life up to a throw of a dice won't rear end you when they drive through at top speed without looking.
If you think stop signs are confusing come to the Gold Coast in Queensland next month when you will be allowed to turn left on a read light at signed intersections
I know other countries and Aus states have similar rules however this is a first for us
and add the Chinese tourists to the mix!
Now is the time to buy that Tow truck I always wanted $$$$$
