Stop Signs In Your Neighborhood?

With more and more vehicles on our streets, traffic speeds seem to increase. Calls to the Police Department about traffic and/or speeders in our neighborhoods also increase. Often, our “Traffic Units” respond to these calls and provide directed patrol. However, the question often is asked is “Why can’t we have some STOP signs to slow these people down or divert them?” Several studies about stop signs don’t back up the commonly held beliefs. For instance, did you know:

-Speeds are not reduced by stop sign installation. Studies have shown that speeds sometimes actually increase between stop signs, up to 3-5 mph faster. Some drivers are irritated by the obvious “speed control” placed stop signs and will speed to make up for lost time.

-Diversion of traffic is not often achieved through stop sign use. Most traffic on the street is there by choice and stop sign placement will not cause vehicle drivers to choose another route.

-Effectiveness of stop signs is much lower than most people believe. Particularly at un-warranted stop signs, where motorists are not sure why the sign has been placed, compliance is relatively poor.

-Creating a false sense of security. Stop sign placement does not improve safety or provide a more secure area for children to play. Children should always be discouraged from playing in the streets or adjacent to any street regardless the traffic volume.

When are stop signs justified?

-When high traffic volumes may suggest the need for a stop sign, typically with a lower volume street intersecting with a high volume street.

-When the frequency of accidents at an intersection suggests a need for additional traffic control.

-Stop signs might also be installed at intersections where there is particular hazard such as limited sight distance combined with high volume.

Other speed reduction devices, such as the “humps” being placed in neighborhoods, may be more effective.

Off. Will Dalsing