APPENDIX A.4

STOP SIGNS

“WHY DON’T THEY PUT IN MORE STOP SIGNS?”

A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective control devices when used at the right place and under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection decide who has the right-of-way.

One common misuse of stop signs is to arbitrarily interrupt through traffic, either by causing it to stop, or by causing such an inconvenience as to force the traffic to use other routes. Where stop signs are installed as “nuisances” or “speed breaker”, there is a high incidence of intentional violation. In those locations where vehicles do stop, the speed reduction is effective only in the immediate vicinity of the stop sign, and frequently speeds are actually higher between intersections. For these reasons, it should not be used as a speed control device.

A school crossing may not appear to be a significant enough installation, causing parents to demand a stop sign to halt traffic. However, a vehicle, which had a problem for 3 seconds while approaching and passing the intersection, becomes a problem for a much longer period of time. A situation of indecision is created as to when a pedestrian should cross or when a motorist should start. Normal gaps in traffic through which crossings should be made safely no longer exist. An intersection which previously was not busy now looks like a major intersection. It really isn’t- it just looks like it. It doesn’t even look safer and it usually isn’t.

Most drivers are reasonable and prudent with no intention of maliciously violating traffic regulations; however, when an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it may result in flagrant violations. In such cases, the stop sign can create a false sense of security in a pedestrian and an attitude of contempt in a motorist. These two attitudes can and often do conflict with tragic results.

Well-developed, nationally recognized guidelines or warrants help to indicate when such control are necessary. These guidelines take into consideration, among other things, the probability of vehicles arriving at an intersection at the same time, the length of time traffic must wait to enter, and the availability of safe crossing opportunities. Since stop signs address motor vehicle right-of-way, many motorists do not recognize pedestrians’ right at these installations. Therefore, stop signs should only be installed at intersections that meet the established criteria.