Four Way Stops often a source of Accidents and Pedestrian Injuries

Four Way Stops and Ontario Traffic Rules

All way stops, otherwise known as four way stops, are fairly common in North America but not often used in the rest of the world.  In addition to being a source of accidents because the right of way is not as obvious to drivers as it is in intersections with traffic lights, four way stops are criticized as being a source of traffic problems, unnecessary stops and slow downs, increased fuel costs and pollution, and more traffic noise. Local residents often support the idea of creating four way stops because they believe they force traffic to slow down and are therefore safer, but they actually often cause accidents associated with the following problems.

• Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur at a four way stop than at a traffic light, particularly involving children.
• There is a higher risk of rear end collisions
• Greater delays at four way stops can cause traffic congestion at adjacent intersections
• Increased noise level due to frequent braking, then speeding up again when accelerating

Four way stops occur at an intersection where there are stop signs at all four corners. At a four way stop, you are required to yield the right-of-way to the first driver that arrives at a complete stop. In the event two vehicles stop simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. This is a common traffic rule but accidents often occur at four way stops. It can get rather confusing at times, particularly when you are not quite sure who stopped first. Keeping an eye on all four corners is important in order to ensure that you are able to yield properly and proceed when you can.

There are traffic rules, like the one stated above, that govern the actions taken by drivers on the road. Yielding to another driver means that your vehicle remains at rest while you allow another vehicle (the vehicle with the right-of-way) to cross the intersection. Certainly, it can be intimidating when there is a lot of surrounding commotion at a very busy intersection. This is likely the cause of many accidents that occur at four way stops. However, as long as all drivers are alert, playing close attention, and proceeding with caution, accidents can be reduced.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation provides helpful instructions and diagrams to further instruct drivers on how to properly handle four way stops. The website states that if you are turning left at a four way stop, you must wait for the approaching traffic to pass or make a turn. In addition, you must wait for pedestrians to cross your path. If you are turning right at a four way stop, you must wait for pedestrians to cross if they are in your path. Always, when you are entering a road from a private road, parking lot, or driveway, you must yield to drivers who are on the road and pedestrians who are on the sidewalk.

Accident Risks

There are particular risks to be concerned about when it comes to four way stops. Drivers that are not paying attention and crossing out of their turn can cause accidents. The slightest distraction can cause a car accident and resulting injuries. Drivers approaching a four way stop should pay extra close attention so they are aware of anyone proceeding out of turn so as to not suffer the impact of a crash.

Drivers proceeding to cross a four way stop intersection out of turn can be found liable for damages and injuries incurred as a result of the careless action. Proceeding out of turn is a common mistake made at a four way stop. Another common mistake occurs when a driver waits too long, allowing his time to pass, which creates confusion and disorder at the four way stop. Injuries sustained in accidents occurring at four way stops are common, generally due to misunderstandings about who has the right of way and sometimes resulting from driver impatience. When anyone is seriously injured as a result of another driver’s mistake or carelessness, the injured victim has the right to file a lawsuit for damages.   Damages refers to financial compensation for losses such as loss of income, medical and rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.

Accidents and stressful personal injury claims can be avoided if proper care and caution is taken at four way stops. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in such an accident, contact the Injury Lawyers of Ontario (ILO) for compassionate and expert representation.