Traffic signs and signals are designed to ensure smooth flow of traffic and to help increase safety. Even so, some people on Ohio roadways drive as though they believe that obeying traffic signs and signals is optional. This attitude increases the potential for car accidents and puts the lives of everyone on the road at risk.A crash that took place on Ohio 72 on a recent Saturday illustrates this point. Preliminary reports indicate that a driver failed to obey a stop sign and entered an intersection illegally. When that happened, the vehicle struck another already in the intersection.According to troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the passenger in the vehicle that ran the stop sign, a 90-year-old man, succumbed at the scene to the injuries he suffered in the impact. The driver of that vehicle, a 66-year-old woman, initially survived the crash and was transported to a hospital in the area. She later died as a result of her injuries. The two individuals occupying the second vehicle received treatment for injuries that were not life-threatening, and the hospital released them.Even though the driver police believe was at fault for this crash died, the family of the deceased passenger may still file a wrongful death claim in civil court. As would be the case in similar car accidents, the estate of that driver would be named as a defendant. However, it will still be necessary to prove the deceased driver was negligent or reckless in a manner that materially contributed to the accident before a court will consider an award of damages.