We’ve all done it at some point. You pull up to a stop sign, do a quick check for cars, and roll right through when no one’s around.
Nothing wrong with saving a few seconds, right? Wrong.
Though we may see them as unnecessary when we’re in a hurry, stop signs are put in place for a reason, and it’s actually illegal not to stop completely at each one you come across.
Here are four reasons why you should always stop:
1. The Law Requires Stopping
It’s a simple answer, but you should always stop at a stop sign simply because it’s illegal not to. Doing so at any time can warrant a traffic violation ticket that can cost you up to $125 in Florida. While you may not get stopped for rolling through a stop sign in a small neighborhood or subdivision, it’s still important to remember the illegal status wherever you drive.
2. The Safety of Others
The safety of others as well as yourself can be compromised by rolling through a stop sign. For example, many pedestrians rely on drivers stopping in order for them to cross the street safely. Not only that, but a quick glance can easily miss pedestrians crossing, especially small children, resulting in a pedestrian accident.
3. Creates a Sense of Uncertainty
The road is no place for uncertainty, but that’s what a rolling stop gives to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. If another individual is unsure whether you will roll through or completely stop at a stop sign, it can affect his or her actions and driving decisions in a destructive or unsafe way.
4. The Consequences Can be Severe
Receiving a ticket or fine is certainly on the list of reasons why failing to stop at a stop sign is a bad idea. However, there are others that are more severe. For instance, causing an accident while negligently failing to stop can cause very serious injury to you or another person.
If you’re the driver who did not stop, you can be held liable for these injuries and any other damages the victim may have faced because of the accident.
The moral of the story: stay safe and always stop.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal right to compensation. The experienced Tampa auto accident attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo can help you through the legal process and onto the road to recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
