10/06/2025
10.06.2025
Good Afternoon, Meade County!
Since our last conversation of "How to Merge Without Causing Drama" was such a hit, we thought, why stop there? After all, some folks lovingly reminded us that certain drivers might need a refresher on other basic laws of the road. So, let’s pick something a little less controversial… maybe.
Today’s topic: Stopping at a stop sign.
You know those big red, eight-sided signs with STOP written on them in giant white letters? Yeah, those aren’t just roadside decorations. You’re actually supposed to come to a full stop. And no… “full” does not mean that slow, lazy roll we like to call the Meade County Glide. It’s not a glide. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a complete, all-the-way stop.
This is where you use that big pedal to the left of the "go fast" pedal. Press it down like you mean it—yes, until the car actually stops moving. If you’ve got one of those fancy new rides that shuts off the engine when you stop, congratulations, you’re living in the future. (Also… anyone know how to permanently turn that off? Asking for a friend. And by friend, we mean literally all of us.)
Once you’ve stopped, here’s your next challenge: look around. Yield to any car that already has the right-of-way. Yes, believe it or not, other people also have places to be, and they might be coming from the left, right, or straight at you. Easy, right? But somehow… here we are.
So, to recap: Stop. Yield. Then proceed. The order of operations is not flexible unless you’re really into paying fines and explaining to the judge that “I thought it was more of a suggestion.”
And, because we like to back up our sass with facts, here’s the official word:
SDCL 32-29-2.1 — The law basically says you have to stop at the clearly marked line, crosswalk, or nearest point where you can see other traffic, then yield before proceeding. Do this, and we have to work a little harder to get that free toaster. (IFYKYK)
Drive safe, Meade County. And for the love of octagons, STOP means STOP.
Be Safe!
