08/18/2026
🚗🔥 BACK TO SCHOOL = MORE TEEN DRIVERS ON THE ROAD! 🔥🚗
As we get ready to send our kids back to school, the members of Bonlee Fire Department want to talk about something that affects ALL of us — driving safely.
Whether you’re a brand-new driver, you’ve had your license for a few years, or you’re just riding along with friends, a few simple decisions can make the difference between getting home safely and seeing us on the side of the road.
🛑 FIRST — LET’S TALK ABOUT 4-WAY STOPS
A four-way stop seems simple, but it’s one of the places we see drivers get confused.
Remember:
➡️ The first vehicle to come to a complete stop generally goes first.
➡️ If two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time, the vehicle on the RIGHT has the right-of-way.
➡️ If you’re turning LEFT, you must yield to a vehicle coming toward you that is going straight or turning right.
➡️ A complete stop means COMPLETE STOP. Not a rolling stop. Stop behind the line or crosswalk.
➡️ When in doubt, be patient and communicate. It’s better to wait a few extra seconds than guess what another driver is going to do.
⚠️ AND LET’S TALK ABOUT THE NEW 421 & 902 INTERSECTION
If you haven’t driven through the new intersection at U.S. 421 and N.C. 902, it may take a little getting used to.
This is NOT a traditional four-way intersection. It is a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCUT) designed to reduce dangerous crossing and left-turn movements. (NCDOT)
Here’s the important part:
🚦 If you’re coming from NC 902 and want to get onto US 421, you turn RIGHT onto US 421 when it is safe.
🚫 You do NOT cross US 421 or make a traditional left turn across traffic.
🔄 Need to go the opposite direction? Follow the signs and use the designated U-turn lane farther down US 421.
🚗 If you’re traveling on US 421, you’ll use the designated turn lanes to enter NC 902.
👉 FOLLOW THE SIGNS AND PAVEMENT MARKINGS.
The new design may feel strange at first, especially if you’re used to the old intersection. Slow down, pay attention and don’t make a last-second maneuver because you think you know where you’re going.
📱 AND TEEN DRIVERS… WE’RE TALKING TO YOU TOO!
We know that text isn’t going anywhere.
That notification isn’t worth it.
That Snapchat can wait.
That song can wait.
And your friends can wait.
📵 PUT THE PHONE DOWN AND DRIVE.
Also remember:
• Wear your seatbelt — every trip, every time.
• Don’t speed just because you’re running late.
• Leave extra following distance.
• Watch for school buses and children. 🚌
• Don’t drive distracted.
• Never drive impaired.
• Don’t let your friends pressure you into driving recklessly.
• If traffic patterns change, SLOW DOWN and figure it out before making a move.
🚒 From the fire department’s perspective, we don’t want to meet you because you made one bad decision behind the wheel.
We want to see you pull into the school parking lot, make it to practice, meet your friends, go to work and — most importantly — make it home.
Parents, take a few minutes before school starts and ride with your new driver. Practice four-way stops. Drive through the new 421/902 intersection together. Talk about what the signs mean and where they need to go.
A few minutes of practice now could prevent a lifetime of regret later.
Slow down. Pay attention. Buckle up. Get home safe. ❤️
