DPS to begin citing drivers who ignore 4-way stops at storm-damaged intersections

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas warned that officers will begin issuing traffic citations to motorists who fail to stop at intersections where traffic signals remain inoperable following super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, saying too many drivers are ignoring temporary stop signs and creating dangerous conditions on Saipan's roads.

“I'm going to have my officers start enforcing and giving people traffic citation on that intersection because people are very ignorant right now. They just don't know how to... stop at the intersection.”

Macaranas said every intersection with a non-functioning traffic light must be treated as a four-way stop, regardless of whether motorists are traveling on the main road or a side street.

“The people now have to be mindful that you have to stop at a four-way intersection to assure that the clearance of the right-of-way... is clear before you enter the roadway. People just have to practice safety.”

He said motorists have become too reliant on traffic signals and must instead follow the rules of the road whenever signals are out.

“The stop sign is there for a purpose... Once you come to the intersection, you stop, clear right, clear left, and then you move forward safely through the intersection.”

Macaranas said drivers who ignore posted stop signs and proceed through intersections without stopping will be held responsible if they cause a collision. He added that there is currently no automatic right of way at intersections where traffic lights are not working, making it essential for every driver to stop before proceeding.

The commissioner also urged pedestrians to use marked crosswalks whenever possible instead of crossing mid-block and reminded parents to keep children close while walking near roadways, especially while many street lights remain out after the typhoon.

DPS public information officer Fred Sato said pedestrians should never assume vehicles will stop simply because they are using a crosswalk.

“Even if it's a crosswalk, doesn't mean you automatically just get on the crosswalk and cross the street and expect drivers to come to a stop. The practice is make sure that both left and right are clear. Vehicles on the lanes come to a full stop.”

Macaranas also encouraged pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists to wear bright or reflective clothing at night and reminded motorists with heavily tinted windows to account for reduced visibility while damaged street lighting is still being restored across the island.