Fast
forward to today. We routinely receive complaints from residents about speeding, failures to yield at pedestrian crossings and failure to stop at controlled intersections or for school bus stops. Why did following traffic laws become optional? The following are a few reminders from the Wisconsin Drivers Handbook.
Stop Signs
“A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters. You must come to a full stop. You must wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians have cleared your path. You can go only when it is safe to do so. If you cannot see traffic from your first stop, slowly move ahead and stop again before entering the intersection. Check for cross traffic and pedestrians before you go.”… also “Before you enter an intersection, look to both the left and right for approaching vehicles and/or crossing pedestrians. If stopped, look to both the left and right just before you start moving. Look across the intersection before you start to move to make sure the path is clear all the way through the intersection and that you will not block it if you have to stop. Then
look left again.” A fully legal stop takes about 3.5 - 4 seconds to execute if there is no other traffic present.
Crosswalks and Stop Lines
Crosswalks
define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway. Crosswalks can be at intersections or in the middle of the block. You must yield to pedestrians who are in or are about to enter a crosswalk
(marked or unmarked). When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop before the front of your vehicle reaches the stop line. If there is no marked stop line, stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no marked stop line nor a marked or unmarked crosswalk, stop at a point nearest the intersecting roadway where you have a clear view of approaching traffic, but before entering the intersection.Speed Limits
When
did the posted speed limit become a suggestion rather than the law? Speeding carries a substantial minimum fine, as well as a possible reduction in the number of driving points on your license. Unfortunately, there are not enough law enforcement officers available to patrol every single street for speeding at all times of the day. This needs to be self-regulated if it is going to be successful!Speeding is a factor in nearly 10,000 fatal crashes every year in the United States. And speeding is easily preventable. But despite this clear danger we can easily avoid, drivers continue to speed and drive well over the speed limit every day, causing serious accidents and fatalities. Did you know your crash risk increases incrementally for every mile per hour over the speed limit? (State Farm). A pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 30 mph has a 50% chance of survival. A pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph has a 10% chance of survival. Speed KILLS...SLOW DOWN!
Final Reminder
Most of all, we wanted to remind everyone driving to be more attentive. Would you have passed your driving test if you had made a rolling stop, checked a text message, snacked on a burger, put on makeup, or chatted on your cell phone? Be aware of your surroundings when driving. Treat every road as if a child could come running out into the road.
Remember you are in control of two tons of metal and plastic that could seriously injure or kill a person on the road or in your vehicle. A vehicle can be a dangerous weapon. Driving is a serious matter that does not accommodate complacency. You are responsible for your safety, and those around you.
