Agenda - Council - 11/12/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Traffic Engineers Handbook (TEH) have established specific warrants for installation of 4 way or ali way stops. These warrants were developed to assist in determining whether or not 4 way stop signs couJd help assign right of way at higher volume intersections reduce an acci- dent problem, or fill in as an interim measure until traffic signals could be installed. Con- siderations outside established warrants are restricted intersection sight distances, and schoot crossings. Studies have shown that 4 way stop signs are not an effective technique for controlling speeds and Should not be used to reduce traffic volumes, or simply to satisfy citizen demands. It should be remem- bered that stop signs constitute one of the most significant means of separating and controlling traffic movements and should be carefully considered. Effects Volumes. Four-way stop signs produce no net reduction of traffic volumes if traffic is primarily local in make-up. Where there is existing shortcutting thru traffic, stop signs may reduce volumes; however, the effective- ness of the 4-way s. top as a deterrent to thru traffic is depe.2'dent, on stop sign saturation, heavy enforcement and the availability of usefui alternative routes. Often the alterna- tive route is another adjacent residential street, and problem traffic is merely dis- placed, not eliminated. Speeds. Studies have typically shown 4-way stops do not have a significant impact on vehicular speeds. Overall area speeds have shown minimal reducti0i-~ near the intersec- tion. In midblock areas, where most acci- dents involving young pedestrians occur, speed increases are frequently the result. safety. It is not dear whether 4-way stop signs will improve safety when they do not meet established warrant~q. In some cases accidents actually increase, possibly due to the stop signs being unexpected or deemed unnecessary thereby encouraging rolling stops, or by instilling a false sense of security in crossing motorists and pedestrians. Studies have shown that stop signs that do not meet warrants are basically ignored by many drivers. Also as mentioned before, speeds tend to increase in the mid block areas where most young pedestrian accidents occur. However, if' warrants are met or where sight distances are poor - an ali way stop may increase safety. Neighborhood Traffic Consol January 1994 15-1