One of the first rules of the road that all new drivers learn is to stop at stop signs. This is also one of the simplest rules to follow. Stop signs are in place to control traffic and keep people safe.
However, studies show that people frequently run stop signs. For instance, half of all car accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities occur at intersections. Many of these are two-way or four-way stops. When one driver runs the stop sign, the other driver may have very little warning of the mistake, and a collision becomes inevitable.
5 potential reasons
Every accident is unique, but here are some common reasons why drivers may make such a critical error:
- They’re in a hurry, such as rushing to work or to drop their children off at school.
- They didn’t see anyone else at the intersection, so they assumed it was safe to drive through without stopping.
- They were distracted, perhaps by a passenger or a cellphone, and failed to notice the stop sign.
- They were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their judgment.
- Weather conditions made it difficult to stop in time, such as when a driver doesn’t see a stop sign in the fog or slides on slick roads after braking.
The unfortunate reality is that intersections are unavoidable, and every time you pass through one, you have to trust other drivers to make the correct decisions and follow the rules of the road. Inevitably, some drivers will make mistakes, and you could be injured in a resulting car accident. If this happens, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs.
