While it would be difficult to prove, from our observations drivers here increasingly see stop signs as optional. East Hampton Village officials briefly considered installing ticket cameras at some intersections to bring in new revenue, but dropped the idea as unwieldy, accepting perhaps that the roll-through has become a fact of life. Nonetheless, the signs should not be ignored. Aside from the obvious safety implications of heeding them, we see another benefit — to state of mind.
Time can seem frantic, especially in the summer months. Traffic is a mess, grocery stores are beyond crowded, and there are never enough hours to get everything done. Given these facts, it is helpful to take relaxing moments as we find them. Think of stop signs as chances for tiny respites during the day, a few seconds in a meditation-like state. Like a deep breath, a pause at a stop sign for a count of three will not interrupt what has to be done, but it offers a degree of mindfulness that might take the edge off our days.
Try stopping. You might like it, and it can’t hurt.