FOUR-WAY STOP MAY PREVENT ACCIDENTS

It's a sign of the times. Motorists passing through the intersection of North Sprigg and Bertling now must stop in all four directions. Previously, motorists stopped only on Sprigg.

The newly installed stop signs may pose an inconvenience for some travelers, but they're definitely worth the trouble.

The intersection has seen increased traffic since the extension of North Sprigg. With a new elementary school and subdivision under construction between Bertling and Lexington, traffic will only increase. In addition, Southeast Missouri State University's new sports fields under construction near the intersection will add to motorist distraction.

According to a recent traffic study, 9,500 vehicles travel through the busy intersection every day.

It hasn't been a high-accident zone. There have been a dozen crashes in the last year. Two resulted in injuries. But an accident at the intersection just last Saturday morning underscored the dangers. The temporary stop signs weren't installed until Monday.

In that accident a week ago, three people were injured and transported to the hospital by ambulance. The injured included well-known Jackson attorney Joe Buerkle and his son. Their vehicle flipped over in the crash. Buerkle suffered four broken ribs. Luckily, his son escaped serious injuries because he was on his way to football practice and was wearing his protective gear. The driver of the other vehicle, who was crossing Sprigg, was cited for failure to yield at the intersection. He too was injured.

The Cape Girardeau City Council will consider making the stop signs permanent at its Monday meeting. The council should approve the move. The city staff and police have documented at least five accidents at the intersection in the last year that could have been prevented with a four-way stop. If approved, permanent signs could be in place by November.

Growth has its minor inconveniences. This four-way stop may cost motorists a few extra seconds, but it may help prevent further serious injuries in the future.