Since You Asked - Fifth Street drivers have right of way

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2000-09-15

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Fifth Street drivers have right of way My reference is to the intersection of Fifth Street (Highway 238) and California Street in Jacksonville. Let's assume I am traveling west on Highway 238. After I pass the Jacksonville Museum of Southern Oregon History, I come to a stop sign. There's a sign underneath the stop sign that reads "Right Turn Permitted Without Stopping." There is a vehicle approaching that intersection on my left that has come up South Stage Road. That vehicle reaches the intersection first. The driver can't read the right-turn sign. If I am correct, the person on my left has the right of way. However, most people will not stop because of that sign that reads "Right Turn Without Stopping." Could you please clarify as to who has the right of way? Is it me or the vehicle to my left? -- Bob G., Trail The driver who approaches the intersection from South Stage Road must yield to the driver on Fifth Street, said John Vial, district manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Vial said the sign at Fifth and California streets allows drivers to make uninterrupted right turns. However, drivers who continue on Fifth Street, or make a left turn on California Street must come to a complete stop, he said. Although the intersection causes some confusion for drivers who are unfamiliar with the area, Vial said it was created to prevent traffic delays on Highway 238. "The situation that's described works very well," Vial said. "People are watching and they're slowing down through that intersection." (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or y fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected]   Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA