Stop Signs Are For EVERYONE!

I have to say right now, I am guilty of doing the "California Roll" (also called by many other names). That's when you come up to a stop sign and come to a rolling stop, then you go. This Driving for Morons installment is not for the "rollers", it's for the "completely ignorers". So, if you blatantly ignore stop signs ... Read on!

First, what is a stop sign? Well, it's that thing at the end of the road. It sits on top of a metal post. It is red, with 8 sides and says "STOP" in the middle with great big letters. Believe it or not, this 'sign' is there for more than you to gaze at like a piece of art.

(Note: I do realize that stop signs and other road signs do make good art, I admit to having 'acquired' a few pieces of said art in my younger days. But anyways ... That's another topic!)

Stop signs are at the end of roads (and streets, lanes, etc.) for a reason. They are there to get you to stop. I would like to think that there is a reason behind almost every stop sign there is on the face of this planet. Usually, it is because you are going to go onto another road which most likely will have other cars on it. Now listen closely: The "other" cars on that new road actually have something called the 'right of way'. That means, you should stay out of their way! This does not mean that you should completely ignore the stop sign and gun your way onto the next street causing other drivers to have to slam on their brakes to avoid smashing into you.

Some other things to note, the following do not give you special privileges to ignore stop signs completely:

-a cell phone to your ear

-an "N" or "L" sticker in your back window/on back bumper

-having been a driver since Noah was a little boy

-being old/being young

-being male/being female

-having a bigger vehicle

-being blonde/red/brunette/gray/white/pink/etc. haired

Now I know that the proper procedure at a stop sign is:

"Come to a complete stop just before the line. Look both ways. If you are unable to see clearly, edge forward until you are able to do so. Proceed once it is safe to do so."

But I'm realistic! The only people who actually come to a stop for a full 2-3 seconds do it because they are a) taking their driver's exam b)they are driving as a job or c)there is a cop nearby. Do the 'California Roll' if you have too ... Just don't ignore the stop sign completely. It's a$$holes like you that cause accidents. Smarten the heck up! When you approach a stop sign, slow down. Look both ways CAREFULLY. If there is traffic, then don't go! It's that simple.

Well, I hope that this clears up the stop sign.

If you like my Driving for Morons series, then stay tuned for future installments including "Brakes: Not all the @#@!# time!", "School Zone: Duh!" and "Cellphones: DON'T!"

Most of all, DRIVE SAFELY!