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TRAFFIC INFORMATIONSERIES <br /> <br />I il I ~l~---~--';"~~' <br /> <br />I A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective traffic control devices, <br /> when used at the right place and under the right conditions. It is intended to <br /> help drivers and pedestrians in deciding who has the right-of-way at an <br />i intersection. . <br /> At first glance, intersections that are uncontrolled (that is, where there are no <br /> stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals) may appear to be unreasonably <br />I dangerous. It may seem that the only right-of-way law is based on daring <br /> driving~ however, uncontrolled residential street intersections have proven to be <br /> safe as long as traffic volumes are low. <br />I One common misuse of stop signs is to attempt to solve the noninterseetion <br /> installed in attempts to slow traffic <br /> problem of speeding. Where stop signs were ~.-- <br />i m Madison. ther~_h~a~...~ _b.e.e~.~.~J~lg.h..~l~.ldenee~ o_.f..~..lnt.~ntlonal wolat~on, ~pe'e~l~J~ <br /> <br /> , i ~.- ...... :'~ ''~ '~:'- ~. '~ ~ '- . ~.0~'~.~ :..... <br /> <br /> stop signs were m~talled. Setting a reasonable limit~ posting speed limit signs <br />I where appropriate, enforcement and public information effort are more effective <br /> in curbing speeding. <br /> <br />I Madison actually has more bicycles than motor vehicles. We find that there <br /> are many bicyclists using Iow-traffic-volume, local streets. Installing stop signs <br /> on two approaches at a typical four-legged intersection should mean that accident <br /> <br />i potential is lessened, assuming motorists actually stop. However, because <br /> motorists on the thorough street usually pay less attention to traffic on the <br /> stop-sign-controlled, intersecting street, that assumption has proven erroneous. <br /> Some drivers, particularly bicyclists, tend to disregard stop signs, especially <br />! <br /> those where a stop doesnt appear to be necessary. When the less attentive <br /> motorist meets the stop-sign-ignoring driver, there is great potential for <br /> accidents. Experience shows that there is usually greater safety at a Iow- <br />I . traffie-volume~ local street intersection where there are no stop signs at all <br /> and each driver is responsible for making a-judgment as to safety of operation. <br />! <br /> <br /> City Traffic Engineer <br /> Traffic Engineering Div. <br /> Dept. of Transportation <br />ISuite 100 Mumclpal Bldg. <br /> 215 Monona Ave. <br /> Madison,WI.,53710 ~ ~"~ TIS-1 <br /> 608-267-8751 Page I of 2 <br />I Revised <br /> Dec. 1983 <br /> <br /> <br />