Authorities identified her as Sara Cruz, a 47-year-old woman from Houston. Cruz was in a Ford F-150 driven by Jose Juan Perez, 50, who is also from Houston.
Perez disregarded a stop sign at Texas 255 and FM 1472 and crashed into a Ford Raptor driven by Jaime Gutierrez, 27.
Laredo Fire Department crews found Cruz with severe injuries and transported her to Doctors Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Perez was also taken to Doctors in serious condition.
First responders also took Gutierrez to Laredo Medical Center in stable condition.
Both drivers volunteered to provide a sample of their blood for analysis. No detection of alcohol was noted, according to police. The case remains under investigation.
Why Don’t Drivers Stop At Stop Signs?
No One Was There: Many drivers, especially teens, will approach and pass stop signs late at night because there are fewer drivers on the road. Just because there are not normally people on the roads does not mean you should make decisions like you are the lone late-night driver.
Distractions can come from all angles – cell phones, radios, passengers, external factors, exhaustion and more can take your mind or eyes off the road. Sometimes, especially at night or while driving unfamiliar routes, drivers completely miss stop signs or other road signs.
Impatience can often play a part in risky driving practices; the temptation to shave a few minutes of time off your commute by speeding, rolling through stop signs or just plain ignoring traffic laws is strong and can be deadly.
Simply slowing down at a stop sign is not sufficient. In many cases, stop signs are placed at intersections where visibility may be impaired (either by the road you are on or by cars approaching on other roads), so it is vital to come to a complete stop so you and other drivers have time to react.
What Could Happen If You Run Stop Signs
- You could strike another car who has the right-of-way. If you do not come to a complete stop, you risk striking another vehicle which may be rightfully entering the intersection before you.
- Another car could strike you. Depending on the direction of the oncoming vehicle, this could put you, or your passengers or people in the other vehicle in great danger.
- You could hit a pedestrian or biker. This is especially dangerous at night or in areas of low visibility, where stop signs are especially vital. Make sure to drive in a safe and predictable manner to help pedestrians and bikers cross intersections safely.
- You could be ticketed for failure to stop. This is often a violation that will result in points on your license. If you have received a stop sign ticket, you may be eligible to take traffic school to remove the accumulated points or to dismiss your ticket.
What You Should Do At A Stop Sign
Stop: Come to a complete stop at a stop sign or stopped intersection, at the painted line, before the crosswalk or just before the stop sign.
Think: Count to at least three after stopping to ensure you have taken the time to scan for any oncoming vehicles and that they have had the time to see you.
Observe: Keep a close eye on approaching vehicles from all directions (including the street directly across from you). When it is safe, move forward through the intersection. Remain aware of all approaching vehicles so you can react as necessary.
If you, a family member, or loved one has been injured or has suffered a wrongful death or serious injury due to truck, motorcycle, auto or other driving accidents, contact an attorney who specializes in these cases to review your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for damages, medical treatments, and lost wages due to the incident.
Lawyers at Carabin Shaw help clients get the care and attention they deserve after a serious incident. Our experienced attorneys represent people and families who have suffered catastrophic injuries and tragic wrongful deaths throughout the state of Texas. If you or a loved one has been injured contact us today at (800) 862-1260.