One-third of all intersection crashes and 40% of the fatal ones occur where traffic is controlled by stop signs. About two-thirds of the crashes involve drivers who say they stopped their vehicles before the crash happened. The study did not include intersections with four-way stop signs. A relatively small share involved drivers who failed to stop, and these accounted for more serious injuries. Older and younger drivers were equally represented, suggesting that older drivers have a harder time with intersections. Intersections' designs need to be improved to increase visibility, and all-way stops can be installed where there is a high rate of crashes. Roundabouts cut collisions by 40%. The results of the study are available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1005 North Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22201. (Author/publisher)
Abstract