Traditionally, government officials thought four-way stops were an effective solution for managing intersections that do not get much traffic. However, people are slowly waking up to the fact that four-way stops can cause a lot of reckless behavior from drivers.
When reckless behavior at a four-way stop causes a collision, victims may be able to seek compensation for damages. At Greg Monforton and Partners, we help motor vehicle crash victims at no upfront cost.
If you were injured by a negligent driver, call today to schedule a free legal consultation with a Windsor motor vehicle accident lawyer. We have been helping crash victims for decades, obtaining millions in compensation.
Do you have legal questions following a crash injury? Call us at: (866) 320-4770.
What Is a Four-Way Stop?
A four-way stop is also known as an all-way stop. There are stop signs controlling traffic in every direction. You are required to come to a complete stop at the stop sign and proceed when right-of-way rules say you are allowed to proceed.
These types of intersections are unique to North America, as they are not found in many other countries around the world.
Who Has the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop?
The right-of-way rules for a four-way stop in Ontario are as follows:
- The first vehicle to reach the intersection and come to a complete stop has the right of way. That means if you arrive at the intersection and no one else is there, you can go right after you come to a complete stop.
- If there are two cars at the intersection, the driver who got there first can proceed after coming to a complete stop.
- If two or more cars reach the intersection at the same time, the vehicle to your right has the right of way.
- When you approach the intersection, you must yield to pedestrians who are waiting to use a crosswalk or those already in the crosswalk.
- If another driver disregards right-of-way rules at an all-way stop, wait for the driver to clear the intersection before proceeding.
It is important to point out that the same rules apply to two-way and three-way stops.
What Are the Dangers of Four-Way Stops?
Theoretically, four-way stops should be safe for drivers. There are clear rules on how drivers should use these intersections and they are usually not that busy.
Unfortunately, many drivers are confused by all-way stops because they do not use them often and they do not know the rules. Many drivers are impatient and do not want to come to a complete stop or obey other right-of-way rules. These drivers just try to get through these intersections as quickly as possible, as if this will help them avoid a collision with a timid or cautious driver.
There are also situations where drivers want to be nice, and even though they have the right of way, they wave at another driver to allow them to go. While being nice to other drivers is commendable, it often creates more confusion and uncertainty.
How Driver Negligence Can Cause a Collision at an All-Way Stop
Speeding is dangerous no matter where it occurs, but it can be especially risky at a four-way stop. If a driver ignores a stop sign, he or she could cause a dangerous side-impact collision with another car. While the speeding driver is breaking the law, the victim may be following the rules.
Four-way stops can also create a risk of a rear-end collision. Impatient drivers may not slow down as they approach a stop sign and may crash into a car whose driver came to a complete stop like he or she was supposed to do.
Stop signs often cause drivers to get angry. Even if they come to a complete stop, they may speed through the intersection because they feel they need to make up lost time.
Turning at any intersection is dangerous, but it is particularly dangerous at a four-way stop. It is difficult to trust that another driver is going to obey the rules, but you must trust others to obey the rules if you are going to make a turn.
The problem is, you might start to turn and the car to your left may move into the intersection at the same time. Left turns can be even more dangerous, because you could start to turn as the driver across from you speeds into the intersection.
What Should You Do After a Four-Way Stop Collision?
If you were injured in a four-way stop collision, you should call the police right away, so an officer can come to the scene an investigate.
Drivers are often irritated about four-way stops, so the other driver might get angry at you right after the collision. It is best not to argue with these drivers. Sometimes it is best not to engage with them at all because you risk making them even more angry.
The other driver might lie to the police about what happened. This could be because he or she legitimately does not know the rules governing all-ways tops in Ontario. While you may get angry when you hear these lies, it is best to avoid arguing about it. Tell the officer what happened and allow him or her to investigate.
You should go to the hospital as soon as possible. You might think your injuries cannot be that bad because of the speed at which you were traveling. However, collisions can cause many long-lasting injuries even when the cars were traveling at slow speeds.
Another vital step in the legal process is calling a lawyer. Obtaining full compensation can be a challenge, as insurers look for ways to deny or undervalue legitimate claims.
Avoiding a Crash at an All-Way Stop
You can lower your risk of a crash by obeying the right-of-way rules. Always come to a complete stop and concede the right of way when you do not have it. Avoid speeding, as you can give yourself more time to react to a negligent driver.
If you are unsure about another driver’s intentions, see if you can make eye contact with the person. If the other driver has the right of way, wave at him or her to let them know it is safe for them to proceed.
If you have the right of way and another driver is at the intersection, proceed slowly. As you get further into the intersection, the other driver is more likely to wait to let you go past.
Call Greg Monforton and Partners For Experienced Legal Assistance
You might think four-way stop collisions are no big deal. After all, the other driver may not have been traveling very fast.
However, even at slower speeds, crashes can cause long-lasting injuries that require expensive medical care. Greg Monforton and Partners may be able to help you secure the compensation you need.
Zero upfront costs. Free legal consultation. Call us at: (866) 320-4770.