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W <br />'TRAFFIC <br />N FORI-tAT ION <br />PROGRI?1 <br />SERIES <br />0 1 �I,M <br />WHY DON'T THEY PUT IN MORE STOP SIGNS? <br />A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective control devices when used at the <br />right place and under the. right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at <br />an intersection decide who has the right-of-way. <br />One common misuse of stop signs is to arbitraiily interrupt through traffic, either by <br />causing it to stop, or by causing such an inconvenience as to force the traffic to use other <br />routes. Where stop signs are installed as "nuisances" or "speed breakers;' there is a high <br />incidence of intentional violation. In those locations where velricfe; do stop, the speed <br />reduction is effective only in the immediate vicinity of the stop sign, and frequently <br />speeds are actually higher between intersections. For these reasons, it should not be used <br />as a speed control device. <br />A school crossing may look dangerous for children to use, causing parents to demand a <br />stop sign to halt traffic. Now a vehicle which had been a problem for 3 seconds while <br />approaching and passing ilia intersection hecomes a problem for a much longr:r period. <br />A situation of indecision is created as to when to cross as a pedestrian or when to start as <br />a motorist. Normal gaps in traffic through which crossings could be made safely no longer <br />exist. An intersection which previously was not busy now looks like a major intersection. <br />It really isn't — it just looks like it. It doesn't even look safer and it usually isn't. <br />Most drivers are reasonable and prudent with no intention of maliciously violating traffic <br />�+ regulations; however, when an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it may result in <br />flagrant violations. In such cases, the stop sign can create a false sense of security in a <br />pedestrian and an attitude of contempt in a motorist. These two attitudes can and often <br />do conflict with tragic results. <br />Well -developed, nationally recognized ,uidrlines hdp to indicate when such controls <br />become necessary. These guulelines take into consifleralion, among other things, the <br />probabilib; a.` :elricic.::riving at an intersection at the same tirr:e, the length of time <br />traffic roust wait to enter, and the availability of sale crossing oppartunilles. <br />I1M/1-77 <br />