You will soon find out who Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin Teen are, as the competition began this week with Miss Door County Kaylee Griep, Miss Cherryland Paige Nikodem, Miss Cherryland Teen Elise Jackson and Miss Door County Teen Mia Glocke all vying for the crowns.

 

The four young women have been in New Berlin this week, not only competing but also bonding with dozens of other contestants from across the state. Preliminary competition in the Miss Wisconsin pageant began Wednesday and continues through Saturday.

 

While they were not among the preliminary winners in the health and fitness, evening gown and talent competitions, Griep and Nikodem said they were pleased with their performances Wednesday night.

 

 

 

The Miss Wisconsin Teen competition, featuring Glocke and Jackson, will take place Friday. You can follow their journey at the Miss Wisconsin competition on the Miss Door County Facebook page.

 

Pictures courtesy of Miss Door County and Fire Flame Creative 

If you missed some or all of the fun at last year's Kewaunee County Breakfast on the Farm, Lonnie Fenendael and the team at El-Na Farms in Algoma hope you attend this year.

 

El-Na Farms is home to Kewaunee County's first rotary milking parlor and has about 2,500 cows on 7,500 acres.

 

When the previous host for the 2026 Breakfast on the Farm had to withdraw, the Fenendael family stepped in to ensure the signature event of the Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion Committee remained on a working farm.

 

 

The timing has worked out in their favor. For starters, the fields typically used for parking were planted with the same crops as last year, a key factor in helping organizers find a host farm. Fenendael said there is less pressure this year after hosting the event in 2025, and favorable weather has helped El-Na Farms get ahead of schedule in some areas.

 

Fenendael said many of last year's popular activities will return while also showcasing technology that highlights the dairy industry's continued evolution.

 

 

The Kewaunee County Breakfast on the Farm will take place June 21, beginning with a church service at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon.

 

Approximately 45 to 50 dairy breakfasts are held across Wisconsin each year in celebration of June Dairy Month, including the Sevastopol FFA Dairy Breakfast at Lazy J Dairy in Brussels on July 5.

Summer is all about enjoying the sunshine, but health care officials want to make sure people do so responsibly.

 

More than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, making it one of the most common forms of cancer. One-third of skin cancer cases are preventable, and Door County Public Health Strategist Shauna Blackledge says a little sunscreen can go a long way.

 

 

It is not just ultraviolet rays that can be harmful. More sunshine often means more heat, and according to the National Safety Council, nearly 300 people died from heat-related illnesses in 2023, while thousands more were hospitalized.

 

Older adults and people who work outdoors are at the greatest risk of developing heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Blackledge says taking proper precautions requires some planning.

 

 

Avoiding the peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and seeking shade when possible are two of the best ways to enjoy summer while staying comfortable and safe.

Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Marine Safety Officer Jeff Heck wants people to enjoy Door County from the water — but to do so safely.

 

The Door County Sheriff’s Office responded to two water rescue calls near Liberty Grove and Sturgeon Bay last week. That number is likely to increase in the coming months as more people take to the water, whether on a luxury motorboat or a stand-up paddleboard.

 

Heck says it is important to keep a cellphone with you at all times so you can call for help if needed. He also recommends leaving a float plan with family or friends so they know where you are going and when you expect to return.

 

He adds that weather is a common factor in many of the water rescues emergency personnel respond to.

 

 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also recommends leaving alcohol on shore, using and maintaining proper safety equipment, and having your vessel inspected before heading out on the water.

Through record snowfall and rainstorms, Destination Door County interim CEO Jon Jarosh is confident another record year for tourism is on the way.

 

According to newly released data from global research firm Tourism Economics, Door County saw a $34.6 million increase in total economic activity from the previous year, a 5.3% increase. The county’s total economic impact reached a record $685.8 million as tourism continued to benefit communities across Wisconsin.

 

Jarosh admits 2026 got off to a slower start than officials would have liked, despite a more than 2% increase in room tax collections through February, according to data from the Door County Tourism Zone. Even with gas prices still hovering around $4 a gallon across the country and inflation concerns remaining in the national headlines, Jarosh believes people still value travel and hopes those travelers find their way to Door County.

 

 

Jarosh says the biggest question will be centered on the spending patterns of visitors once they arrive. Door County is bracing for its heaviest portion of the tourism season yet. Last year, room tax collections topped $2.6 million in July and August.

Widespread rain last week may have kept farmers out of their fields for more than half the week, but the crops they are growing did not seem to mind.

 

According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, farmers were limited to just 3.4 days suitable for fieldwork because of storms that also damaged crops in some parts of the state. The rain was welcome, however, allowing most crops to move ahead of their five-year averages.

 

Corn emergence is 4 percentage points ahead of average at 93%, soybean emergence is 6 percentage points ahead at 91%, and oat emergence is 5 percentage points ahead at 97%.

Winter wheat also is making progress, with 83% headed and 9% coloring.

 

While farmers will have to dodge rain showers Wednesday, there is less than a 25% chance of rain over the next seven days.

From a parking lot update to summer sessions, Makayla Thoma (Events and Marketing Director) talks about it all in this week's Y-Wednesday with the Door County YMCA. The YMCA still has plenty of room for anyone looking to join any of the summer sessions. Thoma also says that the parking lot is on schedule, pending the cooperation of mother nature. Plus, if you are a golfer, it's time to register for "Golf by the Bay". 

Listen to the complete Y-Wednesday here. 

Sturgeon Bay police say a June 10 barn fire on the city’s north side has been ruled suspicious following a multi-agency investigation. Authorities arrested 59-year-old Donna J. Franklin of Sturgeon Bay on June 15 and referred an arson charge to the Door County District Attorney’s Office. No injuries were reported.

Once again, the Door County YMCA is making summer nutritious and delicious for kids by serving free meals to those aged 18 and younger.  Just last week the YMCA provided over 3,000 meals to kids throughout Door County at eleven different locations.  With five Sturgeon Bay locations, three in Algoma, two in Southern Door and one in Northern Door County, everyone should be able to access a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Makayla Thoma, Marketing and Event Director for the Door County YMCA, discusses the program and how anyone 18 and younger can benefit.

For information about menus, locations and times visit click here 

(Expired at 3pm) The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Eastern Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin... Southwestern Kewaunee County in northeastern Wisconsin...

* Until 300 PM CDT.

* At 217 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles southeast of Luxemburg, or 6 miles west of Kewaunee. This storm was nearly stationary.

HAZARD...Quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near... Kewaunee and Kewaunee Pierhead Light around 220 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by the severe thunderstorm include Birchwood, Scarboro, Neuern, Slovan, Casco, Rostok, Krok, Ellisville, East Krok and Stangelville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing large hail.

The generosity and volunteer spirit that help make Door County a stronger community were front and center Wednesday as the Door County Community Foundation hosted its annual Celebration of Giving at Gordon Lodge.
The event brought together donors, nonprofit leaders, volunteers and community supporters to recognize the people whose time, talent and financial contributions continue to improve life across the county.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Richard D. Egan Philanthropic Leadership Award to Steve and Jackie Kane. The award recognizes individuals whose generosity, community involvement and leadership reflect the philanthropic values championed by the late Richard D. Egan.
Foundation President and CEO Bret Bicoy said strong communities are built by people willing to step forward and help meet local needs. “Healthy communities don't happen by accident. They are built and sustained by people who notice what needs care and accept responsibility for helping,” Bicoy said. “Steve and Jackie Kane embody that spirit, and through their generosity, Door County is a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
“Steve and Jackie have demonstrated what true community leadership looks like,” said Tonya Felhofer, CEO of the Door County YMCA. “Their commitment to ensuring the long-term strength of our organization means that families, children, adults, and seniors throughout Door County will continue to have access to programs and services that improve health, create belonging, and strengthen community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and friendship.”
The Community Foundation also recognized three retiring board members — Inge Alverson Bacon, Jeff Ottum and Vicki Wilson — for their years of leadership and service. Foundation officials said their guidance has helped expand the organization's impact throughout Door County.
The Door County Community Foundation thanked everyone who attended and the many donors, volunteers and community partners whose support helps strengthen the county year-round.

Here's an update from the Southern Door Fire Chief, Richard Olson: 

The Southern Door Fire Department responded to 7780 Naze Road, in the town of Forestville, just after 1:30 p.m. on June 15 for the report of a car fire inside a garage attached to a house. Upon arrival of the first unit, the garage was fully involved and spreading to the house. A good initial attack slowed the fire from consuming the house. There is extensive fire and smoke damage to the house. The garage and its contents are a total loss. A 500 gallon LP tank blew its safety valve and a water curtain was established to cool the tank and disperse the LP while it off-gassed. 

 

The occupant had just arrived home with the vehicle that started the fire and the fire originated in the engine compartment.  Approximately 25,000 gallons of water were used. SDFD was assisted by Brussels-Union-Gardner FD, Sturgeon Bay FD, Nasewaupee FD, Algoma FD, Casco FD, Door County Sheriff's Department, Door County EMS and the Door County Communications Center. The scene was cleared just after 4:00 p.m.

 

Thank you for Cheif Olson for the update and to all the departments for everything they do. 

On Saturday mornings in Sturgeon Bay, you can find anything from fresh seasonal produce to smoked fish and cheese at the Farmers Market. This episode of Faces of the Farmer's Market, Alexa Soto and Bryan Mazur spoke with Aaron Faulkner from Bank First who is a presenting sponsor.  He talk about what it means for them to be a part of this annual summertime event along with sharing more about Bank First’s history and growth.

The Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8am-Noon in Downtown Sturgeon Bay. You Can listen to the complete Faces of the Farmers Market, Season 4, Episode 1 here.

If South Lansing Avenue is part of your daily commute, plan for some extra time.

The City of Sturgeon Bay announced that South Lansing Avenue will close sometime this morning, June 16, between Willow Drive and State Highway 42/57 as crews prepare for pavement milling scheduled later today.

The project is anticipated to take one to two weeks, depending on weather conditions and contractor scheduling, and will remain closed to through traffic, with access limited to local traffic only throughout the project.

During the milling operation, local access will be maintained from the north via Green Bay Road and from the east via Willow Drive.

While South Lansing Avenue is not a major highway, it is a well-traveled route for many area residents. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes whenever possible and expect delays in the area.

If you travel through any work zones, use extra caution and watch for construction crews and equipment.

The Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club is inviting you to unwind by the water this summer with the return of its Wine Down Wednesday concert series.

The seven-week event begins July 1 and continues every Wednesday through Aug. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the club's outdoor patio overlooking Sturgeon Bay.

Open to the public, Wine Down Wednesday features live performances from local musicians, including Cathy Grier + the Troublemakers and members from Birch Creek Jazz, each week will showcase a different local performer, highlighting musicians from across Door County's arts and entertainment community. They will also have food and beverage specials each week. Admission is free.

Andrea Frank, Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Event and Marketing Coordinator says the series offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy local music while taking in waterfront views while experiencing the atmosphere of the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club.

 

Frank says the event is designed as a midweek gathering where people can relax, connect with friends and enjoy summer evenings along the bay, plus it will be over in time for you to get to Harmony by the Bay in Martin Park. 

Wine Down Wednesday runs Wednesdays from July 1 through Aug. 12 at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club. More information is available through the club website and on their social media pages.

SEE UPDATE ON 6/16/26- Structure fire in Forestville, WI around 2pm this afternoon triggered a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) requiring trucks and tenders from B.U.G., Nasawaupee, Sturgeon Bay, Algoma and other departments. The fire appeared to start in the garage area of a residents on Naze Road. More details will be available once crews have secured the scene. 

In a post on Facebook the Sturgeon Bay Police Department shared that an anonymous artist has been leaving great messages around Sturgeon Bay City Hall. They said it was a great way to start their day. The message read “Have a great day or night. Thank you for all you do. Stay true and safe.” 

There have been multiple of these messages left for city workers, law enforcement and first responders. If you would like to share your message to the dedicated, hardworking members of our community, you can do so by clicking here.  

If you're looking for a way to welcome summer in Door County, Fyr Bal offers a full day of family-friendly activities along the shores of Eagle Harbor on Saturday, June 20.
Ephraim's 61st Fyr Ball (Pronounced “feer ball”) celebrates the transition from spring to summer while honoring Ephraim's Scandinavian heritage through live music, traditional dancing, artisan vendors, crafts and activities for all ages. 
As the sun sets, the festival's signature bonfire will be lit along the harbor, symbolizing the arrival of the summer season. The evening concludes with a fireworks display over Eagle Harbor, providing a dramatic finale to one of Door County's most popular summer traditions. Festival activities are scheduled throughout the day in downtown Ephraim and along the waterfront. A full list of activities can be found here. 

You will have a chance to take home free books while encouraging the lifelong love of reading during the “Love of Reading” happing June 23rd-25th.

The United Way of Door County and the Door County Partnership for Children & Families have partnered with the Door County Bookmobile, Door County Library and Door County YMCA, to host the “Love of Reading” book giveaway for children from birth to age 5.

Young readers can explore the Door County Bookmobile, choose age-appropriate books to keep and everyone can learn about library resources available to their families. Parents also can sign eligible children up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books by mail.

 

This event will take place at the following locations:

Tuesday, June 23

- Forestville Library - 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM

- Sturgeon Bay Library - 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM

Wednesday, June 24

- Sister Bay Library - 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

- Baileys Harbor Library - 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM

- Egg Harbor Library - 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM

Thursday, June 25

- Sturgeon Bay - Door County YMCA - Summer

Lunch Program from 11:30am – 12:30pm

 

Thanks to an anonymous donor, all books will be available at no cost for children to take home and enjoy.

Even after approving plans for two additional housing developments earlier this month, the City of Sturgeon Bay is not slowing its efforts to increase the local housing supply.

 

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council is set to approve a resolution certifying the housing element of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, ensuring it meets existing and projected housing demand. The council is also expected to contribute $10,000 to the Door County Economic Development Corporation's next housing study.

 

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said earlier this month that the city's residential vacancy rate is about 3%, a couple of percentage points below the 5% to 8% range generally considered healthy for a community.

 

Door County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says the city has made tremendous progress in addressing its housing shortage, particularly when it comes to meeting the needs of the local workforce.

 

 

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will also discuss the installation of a baby box and consider a new labor agreement with the city's firefighters when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Whether it's the sound of a steel drum, a violin or a saxophone you've been waiting for since last summer, the arrival of summer at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor begins this week.

 

The first students of the 2026 season arrived on campus Sunday in anticipation of the first Percussion, Steel Pan and World Music performance on June 18. It is the time of year that Executive Director Jenna Ferdon and her team work toward all offseason as they welcome hundreds of students for four two-week sessions.

 

With the return of steel pan musician Victor Provost highlighting the slate of performances, Ferdon says audiences will have a lot to enjoy during the Percussion, Steel Pan and World Music session.

 

 

You can attend performances during the Percussion, Steel Pan and World Music session Thursday through Saturday through June 27.

If you spot a turtle crossing the road or digging a nest in your yard, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for your help.

 

As nesting season continues through June, female turtles are leaving lakes, rivers and wetlands to lay eggs, often in roadside ditches, gardens and residential yards. The DNR says four of Wisconsin's 11 native turtle species are endangered, threatened or experiencing population declines.

 

If a turtle chooses your property as a nesting site, wildlife officials recommend leaving the nest undisturbed and protecting it with an open-bottom nest cage. The cage helps keep raccoons and other predators away while allowing hatchlings to emerge safely.

 

Drivers can also help by slowing down near wetlands and watching for turtles crossing roadways. Residents are encouraged to report turtle sightings to the Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program, helping biologists identify nesting areas and protect turtle populations for future generations.

 

Photos courtesy of Bryan Mazur, who recently discovered a turtle nest in his front yard.

With Big Creek and The Cove Estuary both ecologically and symbolically at the heart of Crossroads at Big Creek, and with a water research lab located in the Collins Learning Center, it should come as little surprise that “Water” was selected as this week’s theme for our Summer at Crossroads Series.

 

Each Monday we start with a Tale. On Monday, June 22 at 2:00 PM, Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read the storybook Creekfinding: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. This tale is set in the Driftless Region of Iowa, but it seems, somehow, so familiar.

 

It starts by asking: How does a creek get lost? Especially “a creek that burbled out of the ground.”

 

Well, according to the storybook, “the creek did not lose itself. A farmer used a bulldozer to stuff the creek with dirt so he would have more space to grow corn. No water—no water bugs, no frogs, no birds…”

 

And that is why the tale felt so familiar. Back when our first 60 acres were purchased to create a school forest, Big Creek wasn’t big and definitely was not teeming with wildlife. It was essentially a muddy, ruler-straight ditch running through a Norway spruce plantation.

 

Neighbors tell us that during the Depression era, CCC crews straightened Big Creek as part of an “agricultural improvement” project. Their new channel was essentially a ditch, which they stabilized by planting reed canary grass.

 

Many folks remember that at one time the land was planted in apple orchards and also was a Christmas tree farm. Then, the former wetland was used as a plantation for non-native evergreens.

 

At the time of purchase, Crossroads was a weedy orchard with dead or nearly dead trees and a stand of non-native evergreens. Re-meandering Big Creek was the first restoration effort at Crossroads.

 

In 1995, using grant money from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Sturgeon Bay Education Foundation had the ditch filled. Before the work was done, however, a team of surveyors came in and, using old maps and obvious topography, determined the original creek bed, which they marked with pink flags.

 

And we waited for snowmelt.

 

The water knew where it needed to go. It was as if the creek was using those pink flags as trail markers. Now, the main channel and surrounding wetlands really do teem with wildlife.

 

The storybook has a happy ending, and so did Crossroads.

 

This week, folks will enjoy the Trail Tales Storybook Walk starting at the West Trailhead. But we also encourage folks to take time to visit our North Bridge and experience the ongoing recovery of the Big Creek Wetlands.

 

On Tuesday at 1:00 PM, during Journeys with Joan, join naturalist Joan Wilkie for free family-oriented activities exploring nature. Wisconsin has an amazing gift—our freshwater Great Lakes. This journey will explore how glacial ice transformed our landscapes.

 

Our weekly Wandering Wednesday, a gentle naturalist-led hike, will certainly visit various water features.

 

We are really excited about the Talk on Thursday at 2:00 PM. Amanda Surfus of Door County Soil & Water will present “Water in a Karst System.” In this talk, Amanda will explore how karst landscapes—formed from fractured dolostone—shape the way water moves through Door County. The presentation will combine science, stories from the field, and examples specific to Door County’s landscape.

 

The week’s activities end early this Friday—at 5:00 AM! Volunteers are invited to join Crossroads’ bioinventory efforts to document bird species at our Ida Bay Preserve as part of our restoration work. Participants should dress for the weather and have the Merlin Bird ID app downloaded on their phones. We will meet in the parking lot at 1195 Canal Road. Participants will then be staged throughout the preserve, recording birds they see and birds they “hear” using their phones. Reservations are not required.

 

We care about water, and this week we would love to share these water-themed programs with the community. If you can’t attend, know that all trails (and bridges) at Crossroads and the Ida Bay Preserve are open all day, every day, free of charge.

 

Saturday, June 20
10:00 AM – FLAG DAY HIKE (DELAYED)
With all that is going on at Crossroads and across the country on Flag Day Weekend, we have delayed our long-time traditional Flag Day Wildflower Hike until Saturday. Blue Flag iris should still be blooming for this gentle guided hike. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Monday, June 22
2:00 PM – TALE: Creekfinding: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, Creekfinding: A True Story, written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Claudia McGehee. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Tuesday, June 23
1:00 PM – Journeys with Joan: Great Lakes Glaciers
Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Join our naturalist, Joan Wilkie, for free family-oriented activities exploring nature. Wisconsin has an amazing gift—our Great Lakes! We’ll explore how glacial ice transformed our landscapes. Suitable for all ages. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Wednesday, June 24
1:30 PM – Wandering Wednesday: Naturalist-Led Hike
Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. Well-behaved dogs allowed on leash. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Thursday, June 25
2:00 PM – Talk: Water in a Karst System
Join Amanda Surfus of Door County Soil & Water to explore the fascinating geology of the Door Peninsula. In this informative program, Amanda will explain how karst landscapes—formed from fractured dolostone—shape the way water moves through the landscape.

Karst systems are known for their thin soils, sinkholes, disappearing streams, and rapid underground water flow. These unique features make our region beautiful, but they also create special challenges and responsibilities when it comes to water quality, groundwater protection, and land stewardship. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Friday, June 26
5:00 AM – Bird Survey Hike
Join Crossroads’ bioinventory efforts to document bird species at our Ida Bay Preserve as part of our restoration work. We will be performing three-point counts throughout the summer following Breeding Bird Atlas protocols. Participants should dress for the weather and have the Merlin Bird ID app downloaded on their phones. We will meet in the parking lot at 1195 Canal Road. Participants will then be staged throughout the preserve, recording birds they see and birds they “hear.”

Driving an ATV or UTV around town is going to feel a lot more like driving a car. Effective June 1, operators and passengers are required to wear seat belts and are prohibited from towing objects carrying a person. Operators also will see new window tint restrictions and higher fines for intentionally causing damage with an ATV or UTV.

 

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha said the new rules come as more people are using ATVs and UTVs as part of their daily routine, and many are getting hurt.

 

 

Kratcha said there have already been 16 fatalities linked to ATV and UTV use in 2026, compared with 42 total fatalities in 2025.

I have had a request to share some information regarding the laws surrounding controlled intersections. In every accident report, there is a category that the officer completes titled "Contributing Factors." Within this category, there are many choices ranging from road factors and vehicle equipment factors to human factors. Every accident has a contributing factor, and for the most part, each of these contributing factors can either be minimized or eliminated altogether through intervention. If road conditions are degraded, slow down. If vehicle equipment contributed to the accident, a little preventive maintenance is in order. The most common category involves the driver and what they did—or did not do—that contributed to the accident.

 

The behavior I would like to cover in this article is "Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way" and "Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign." This includes those who stop at stop signs but then proceed when it is not safe to do so, as well as those drivers who do not stop at all. Of the numerous accidents we have responded to over the years, most have been caused by either failure to yield the right-of-way or failure to stop at a stop sign.

 

There is probably no greater risk when driving than entering a roadway from an intersection or driveway. Drivers pulling out onto a roadway need to consider not only their ability to cross the roadway, but also the safe distance required to merge with vehicles already traveling at the posted speed. That distance is much different when crossing or merging with traffic in a 25 mph zone versus a 55 mph zone. Many times, we see failure-to-stop violations and subsequent accidents at highly visible intersections more often than at intersections where hills or vegetation limit the view of vehicles entering the intersection. This goes back to attentive driving. As drivers, we tend to increase or decrease our attentiveness based on what we perceive as risk. It is usually when our vigilance is lowered that we run into problems.

 

As drivers, we must maintain focus on what we are doing, especially at critical points in our travels, such as intersections and other points of access. Even if you are the one who has the right-of-way, be vigilant. Do not assume that the vehicle at the stop sign sees you and will wait before pulling out. Do not assume that the vehicle leaving a private driveway sees you. Be ready to react to the unexpected. Just because you are in the right does not mean you cannot help prevent an accident.

 

I think what our driver's education teachers called this was "defensive driving," and it is just as important for experienced drivers as it is for new drivers.