ARDEN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation has installed signage alerting motorists to a new all-way stop at the intersection of Rockwood Road and McKenna Road in Arden.

The traffic pattern update arrived after an NCDOT review of crash data at the intersection revealed 31 crashes over a 10-year period. According to the findings, an all-way stop would have reduced or eliminated all of them.

“The conversion is intended to improve safety and mobility while reducing dangerous crash patterns including angle crashes at this intersection,” said NCDOT in a press release. “NCDOT crash data shows all-way stops reduce total crashes by 55%, fatal and serious injury crashes by 92% and frontal-impact crashes with minor injuries by 72%.”

The new signage includes stop signs at all four entrances to the Rockwood Road and McKenna Road intersection, as well as new pavement markings and “Stop Ahead” and “New Traffic Pattern” signs in the area.

According to the NCDOT, drivers approaching an all-way stop should follow these rules:

1. The first vehicle to the intersection has the right of way ahead of any vehicle that has not yet arrived.
2. When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way.
3. The vehicle with the right of way may move straight ahead or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right.
4. When two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, both drivers can move straight ahead and turn right. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must yield. The driver who is traveling straight ahead has the right of way.
5. Even with the right of way, remember to use the appropriate turn signals and be careful to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians.