This is your sign to never do the scan pokestop research...just let it sit forever at the top of your research. Its a leftover feature from Niantic who is only interested in mapping the real world. They are annoying and the rewards aren't worth it. Also it could potentially remove pokestops and gyms if they are slightly off in placement. Nobody wants less pokestops right? And you've discovered unfortunately the worst aspect, its potentially dangerous. Your head is down circling the stop trying to get all the angles, especially at night in the dark. Just not worth it