Stop signs are a lot cheaper than traffic calming – why not just install 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. The stop sign is used to assign right of way at an intersection and to make sure that traffic flows smoothly and predictably. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection decide who has the right-of-way. Because a stop sign is used to assign right of way at an intersection, it is not an effective means to control speeding. Research shows that where stop signs are installed as “deterrents” or “speed breakers,” there are high incidences of intentional violations resulting in accidents. When vehicles must stop, the speed reduction is only near the stop sign, and drivers tend to speed up between stop sign controlled intersections. When not required to stop by cross street traffic, only 5 to 20% of all drivers come to a complete stop, 40 to 60% will come to a rolling stop below 5 mph, and 20 to 4O% will pass through at higher speeds. Signs p
