TRAFFIC: Time to expand ‘Idaho Stop’

We should formally change the state law to apply part of the “Idaho Stop” for all vehicles, not just bikes. Please see Idaho State Law, section 49-720, or look it up in Wikipedia. We should make all STOP signs legally the same as YIELD signs. A driver not stopping would still be liable for causing any accident that wouldn’t have happened if he/she had yielded.

This would recognize what happens at most stop signs anyway, and it could help save precious (expensive) gasoline and diesel fuel! Existing STOP signs could be left in place, so there should be no cost beyond publishing the changed law. Of course, this implementation would require a citizen’s initiative or some legislative action.

Any other ideas for improving traffic flow?

DAVE LANDIS

Coeur d’Alene