Mind the Gap: The Importance of Stopping Correctly at Intersections

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We all need a refresher on common sense now and then. While shortcuts might be tempting, prioritizing safety is essential. One simple way to do this is by being mindful of where you stop your car at intersections. I say this, because, early yesterday evening after I waited for the pedestrian signal to signify it was okay to cross and I walked halfway across that first lane, a car that wasn't there suddenly appeared. My guide dog and I came within a mere six inches of being thrown or at least knocked off our feet and run over by a driver, who inched up even more before acknowledging me with an, "Oh, well," kind of shrug. In the United States of America when approaching an intersection, regardless of whether it has a stop sign, a traffic signal, or a crosswalk, or not, you must stop. At a Stop Sign, Red Light, or uncontrolled intersection, you must either stop at the marked stop line or, if there is only a crosswalk, you must stop three to six feet back from the crosswalk. This serves the following purposes. It allows pedestrians to stand out of the immediate path of turning vehicles. It gives drivers a clear view of pedestrians waiting to cross. It provides room for larger vehicles like buses or trucks to stop without blocking the crosswalk. And, if they can do it, so can you. If there is no stop line pretend there is one before the point where the sidewalk or curb would meet if extended across the road. This position ensures that you are not in the intersection itself, allowing visibility and space for pedestrians and other vehicles. The only time you can stop your vehicle at the edge of the intersection is when there is no sidewalk at that spot.