If you’ve been driving for a while, chances are high that you’ve made a rolling stop at a stop sign. You might not think it’s a big deal, but traffic rules say otherwise. It’s important to know what a rolling stop is to avoid consequences such as citations or car accidents, including fatal crashes.
Angel Reyes & Associates is Texas’ 5-star personal injury law firm, supporting car accident victims in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Fort Worth. In this blog post, we answer the question, “What is a rolling stop?” as well as why you should come to a complete stop when you’re at a stop sign or intersection.
Definition and Explanation of a Rolling Stop
What are rolling stops and why are rolling stops dangerous? It helps to start with a rolling stop definition, which is when a driver fails to come to a complete stop at an intersection with a stop sign or a red light. The tires of the vehicle are still in motion, hence the term “rolling through a stop sign.”
Also known as a “California roll” or “California stop,” this moving violation can get you into hot water. Stopping completely is required at a stop sign or when a light is red at an intersection. Rolling through it no matter how slowly is problematic since stop signs require you to make a full stop, unlike yield signs.
Risks and Dangers of Rolling Stops
When people ask, “What is a rolling stop?”, they are often surprised that the answer is considered dangerous. There is a reason why the police issue rolling stop violations to motorists when they see them do it.
The danger of rolling stops comes from the confusion they generate among other drivers. Even though many drivers commit this action themselves, they may be caught off guard when a driver slows but does not stop at the stop line marked at the intersection.
What could happen when a rolling stop occurs at a red light or stop sign? Rolling stops pose serious dangers that put everyone at risk when drivers treat stop signs like yield signs.
Greater Potential for Car Accidents
When there are multiple motorists at an intersection, the confusion increases even further, and it often leads to car accidents. If drivers do not come to a complete halt, they may crash into another motor vehicle since rolling stops decrease the amount of time to respond to any unexpected hazards. When drivers assume other motorists will stop as they should, other road users may become injured. Intersections are the primary location where crashes occur and stopping at them allows you to evaluate potential dangers before you proceed.
They Cause Rear-End Crashes
When a driver is distracted at a red light, they may continue rolling and not realize it until they rear-end another motor vehicle. All drivers approaching stop signs, in parking lots, at intersections, or even on private property, should make sure they come to a complete stop to avoid a dangerous situation.
Danger to Pedestrians
Pedestrian threat is high at intersections when road users fail to stop at the correct location. When a vehicle slows, it’s reasonable for a pedestrian to believe it will come to a full stop. Pedestrians often suffer horrific injuries when motorists roll through a stop sign.
Traffic Laws and Regulations
In addition to the consequences of a rolling stop mentioned above, a rolling stop is a traffic violation. This illegal maneuver can result in points on your driver’s license as well as fines. There are red-light cameras at many intersections for the purpose of holding drivers accountable for these actions.
The reduced reaction time and danger posed to pedestrians are often the reason this maneuver causes serious accidents. If you cause an accident that hurts or kills someone, you could face criminal charges and spend time behind bars for this illegal action. You may also have your driver’s license suspended or revoked.
Consequences of Rolling Stops
Complete cessation is required at stop signs and red lights to avoid hitting other cars or pedestrians. The close proximity to the crosswalk can make you the responsible party.
Each state has its own penalties for rolling stops, and those will generally include paying a fine, getting points on your driving record, and having to attend traffic school. With points added to your driving record, you will likely have higher insurance premiums, or even face license suspension. You’ll also incur court costs and other legal fees.
The punishments you may face are there to serve as a deterrent as well as a reminder that you owe a duty of care to other drivers and pedestrians. In turn, other motorists owe you this duty, and it is in your best interest to abide by the rules.
Prevention and Safety Measures
Make it a habit to obey all traffic laws, including avoiding rolling stops. Motorists should always come to a complete stop before proceeding through a stop sign on streets or parking lots.
In areas that have a lot of cars on the road or that are not familiar to you, be cautious and make sure that you can see all oncoming traffic. It helps to sign up for a defensive driving course to brush up on your skills.
In practical terms, the full halt you make requires that your wheels stop turning and that your car is stationary. Try practicing and counting to three when you need to stop at lights or stop signs. It is also advised that you have your car well-maintained to make sure your brakes are in good condition, which will allow you to stop quickly and with greater ease rather than continuing to roll into another vehicle, or worse, a pedestrian or cyclist.
Most importantly, stay alert while behind the wheel to have a faster response to the unexpected and limit your risk. You’ll avoid many accidents this way.
Defenses for Stop Sign Traffic Violations
You may get a ticket for a rolling stop but you can argue that the police officer did not see that you came to a complete stop. Other considerations in defense of this violation may include that the stop sign wasn’t visible due to foliage overgrowth or that other circumstances prevented you from coming to a complete stop.
What if the driver of another vehicle crashed into you by making a rolling stop? Then you should make sure to protect your legal rights by taking the following steps:
Call the Police
Report your accident to the police and have them come to the scene to create an accident report.
Gather Evidence
Take photos and videos of the damage to each vehicle, and make sure to capture the stop light or sign to show the location. You should also get witness contact information.
Get Medical Care
Never assume you are fine if you don’t see any visible injuries. The other driver may be held responsible for your medical bills.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Whether another driver caused the accident due to a rolling stop or is accusing you of making one yourself, you should focus on recovery from your injuries. Let a personal injury attorney help you build a strong case to recover the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need to Make a Complete Stop
Rolling stops can have severe consequences, including car accidents that cause injuries and fatalities. This is why it is always best to make a complete stop in these scenarios. By obeying the rules of the road, you’ll be less likely to be blamed in the event of a crash.
