Valley motorists need refresher course on stop sign vs. yield sign

Valley motorists need refresher course on stop sign vs. yield sign

It seems to me, that as of late, motorists need a refresher course on traffic signs. I am amazed at the sheer number of drivers who constantly treat a yield sign as a stop sign. There’s a world of difference.

A stop sign means you come to a complete stop, look both ways, signal if you must, and proceed through the intersection. Yield means you keep moving, signal your intent to merge, and blend in with traffic. There is one exit in the area where this seems to be a big problem — I-680 southbound to Route 170 eastbound (aka Midlothian Boulevard.)

I am aware of the situation because I use this exit six days a week. Five of those are during rush hour. Almost every time I get off at this exit, traffic is at a stop where the lanes merge. And you can’t see it until you make the bend. I’ve had to slam on my brake to keep from hitting anyone. What’s worse is, if I were to collide with another vehicle (i.e if it were icy), I would be at fault. That is how accidents happen.

The area has always been a trouble spot for accidents since as far back as I could remember. In fact, I knew someone who was nearly killed years ago near this exit. She was on her way home from visiting her late husband’s grave at nearby Lake Park Cemetery when an exiting vehicle hit her from the side.

I don’t know if people are ignorant and don’t read signs or they just have no consideration for other motorists. As the old saying goes, “You can’t fix stupid.”

Vince Williams, Youngstown