Four way stops...

[Chautona]

Dying to know here. A person arrives at a four way stop just after an officer. Officer sits there. Doesn't go even though, technically, it is his turn. How long is appropriate to wait before deciding that he must want you to go first? Why do they do that???

When other cars arrive first at the stop, I always just wait it out until they go unless they wave me through. I figure I can sit there another 5-10 seconds until they realize it's their turn but when an officer does it I feel obligated to move through for whatever reason.

It's not every time but it is often enough that I'm curious.

[Ironhead]

A person arrives at a four way stop just after an officer. Officer sits there. Doesn't go even though, technically, it is his turn. ... Why do they do that???

Perhaps the officer wants to be behind you - rather than in front of you. Maybe he is just listening to traffic on the radio.

I can't speak for others - but one of these is what I would guess.

[Chautona]

That was my guess... usually they're coming the opposite direction so behind wouldn't make sense but I figure officers must multi-task almost as much as mothers! ;)

Watch their own driving, watch the other people's driving, listen to a radio, often are talking on a cell phone AND... paying attention to pedestrians.

How do you guys keep from going nutters!

[gabe a.]

I am in a 2-license plate state (front and back), if someone across from me didn't have one, I'd get behind them and list the plate for grins, to make sure everything is up to par.

That's the only reason I have waved people by at a stop sign.

[Valor55]

There's a thousand things we could be doing. Typing on the computer, reading a map, talking on the radio... We also get lookouts on the radio from people who call in and reporting a reckless or DUI driver. I'll stop and wait for them to come by me if I'm close.

If you stop and the other car obviously isn't going and you can safely procede then go for it.

[Darin]

There's a thousand things we could be doing. Typing on the computer, reading a map, talking on the radio...

Or fell asleep during midnight shift.... :D

[txinvestigator1]

If you stop and the other car obviously isn't going and you can safely procede then go for it.

Exactly.

[Super Six 5]

Usually I'll give them a wave or flash my headlights to indicate they can go to alleviate any confusion/worry.

[danninator]

As crazy as it sounds police cars are operated by humans. If after a long pause he fails to proceed it is safe for you to go through. No elaborate schemes to nail anyone here. :D

[Chautona]

As crazy as it sounds police cars are operated by humans. If after a long pause he fails to proceed it is safe for you to go through. No elaborate schemes to nail anyone here. :D

Well, I must say, elaborate schemes didn't cross my mind. I was really looking for the appropriate response and curious if there was a reason why. The license plate thing makes sense. WE're a two plate state too.

Knowing that just going is considered 'ok' is a relief. I tend to be very literal. IF the law reads that the one who arrives goes first... then I tend to think I'm supposed to sit there until they go.

Thanks guys. I know it's trivial and silly but I've got one of those obnoxious minds. I remember grillign my mechanic once about why a calliper is called a calliper. He didn't know. I never have found that one out. Anyone know why it's called a calliper?

[Mike Romeo]

If I don't take the right of way it's because I'm busy with something else and I'll give up the right of way.