Stop sign means stop, not slow down, OPP reminds drivers ahead of busy summer travel season

The OPP is reminding drivers to come to a complete stop at stop signs, not a rolling one.

As more motorists head onto Ontario roads for the summer travel season, the OPP is reminding drivers that a stop sign means exactly that — a complete stop.

The message is part of the OPP’s ‘Stop. Look. Live.’ campaign, aimed at reducing preventable collisions caused by drivers failing to stop at intersections.

“A stop sign does mean stop, not slow down,” said Essex County OPP Const. Stephanie Caron.

Police say so-called “rolling stops” may seem harmless but can dramatically increase the risk of a collision by reducing the time drivers have to assess traffic conditions before entering an intersection.

In a media release, Staff Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said drivers should remember that “a stop sign means stop — not slow down,” adding that taking a complete stop gives motorists the time needed to properly assess traffic conditions and protect everyone using the roadway.

Caron said many drivers become complacent while travelling on familiar routes.

“What stands out is people’s lack of attention or inattention,” she said of collisions she has investigated where failing to stop was a factor.

“Sometimes we travel these roads every day to and from work, and we’re kind of sometimes on autopilot. So, it really pays to look left, look right, and do it a second time.”

She said smaller vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians can easily be missed if drivers fail to stop and properly check their surroundings.

The OPP is encouraging motorists to bring their vehicle to a full stop, carefully look in all directions, pause before proceeding, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.

Even intersections that appear quiet can pose unexpected hazards, Caron said.

“Even if it’s an intersection that you think is less travelled than others, sometimes that’s even a little bit more dangerous because maybe you’re not as familiar with it. So, let’s just slow it down.”

With 15 years of policing experience, Caron said she has investigated numerous serious crashes that could have been prevented.

“Unfortunately, I have investigated my share, and the outcome isn’t always as pretty as we’d like to be able to tell people,” she said.

The OPP says officers will continue enforcement efforts throughout the campaign to improve compliance at stop signs and reduce collisions.

As traffic volumes increase heading into the summer holidays, Caron hopes drivers will remember that arriving safely is more important than saving a few seconds.

“I want you to stop. I want you to slow it down. You’re going to get there. It’s not going to be that much more time off your trip. Just take a look and it’ll be safe out there. We want everyone to get to where they’re going and enjoy a safe summer.”